Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono Friday stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral relations with neighboring countries.

In a policy speech to the 147th regular Diet (parliament) session, Kono highlighted the "paramount importance of strengthening bilateral ties with neighboring countries," especially with South Korea, China, Russia and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to promoting regional cooperation through regional forums, including the ASEAN regional forum, the summit framework of ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

The Japanese foreign minister also vowed to maximize efforts toward normalizing diplomatic ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), describing it as "the most pressing issue" in Japan's commitment to promote dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Noting Japan and the DPRK began preparatory talks last month, Kono said Tokyo will "exert utmost efforts" toward reopening negotiations on normalizing diplomatic relations.

Kono also described Japan's alliance with the United States as the foundation for Asia-Pacific peace and stability.

On the economic front, Kono said Japan will continue to direct its official development assistance (ODA) to help Asian, African and other developing nations eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development.

He said Tokyo intends to "more effectively and efficiently implement ODA as a major foreign policy tool and as a means of contributing to the national interest in a wider sense."

Referring to this year's Group of Eight (G-8) summit in Okinawa, Kono repeated Japan's plan to have the July 21-23 summit reflect the opinions of Asian nations. (Xinhua)