Japanese PM Congratulates Bush on Inauguration

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori on Sunday congratulated newly inaugurated U.S. President George W. Bush, calling for a closer alliance between Tokyo and Washington under the new U.S. administration.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of President Bush," Mori said in a statement.

"(Japan) will work together (with the U.S.) to encourage the world, not only the Asia-Pacific region, to keep peace and prosperity through closer dialogues," he said.

The Japanese prime minister also voiced the hope to meet with Bush as early as possible to confirm basic standpoints for future development of bilateral relations.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono also issued a statement, saying Japan will make its utmost efforts, together with the new U. S. administration, to deepen policy coordination between the two countries.

Bush, a former Texan governor and son of former President George Bush, was sworn in as the 43rd U.S. president Saturday.

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/