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Japan PM, Obama confirm alliance in phone talks

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-29 11:19

TOKYO -- US President Barack Obama telephoned Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and confirmed their shared desire to work together on economic issues, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

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Obama and Aso agreed to cooperate in tackling the deepening global recession and other key issues during the 10-minute conversation Thursday morning, the ministry said in a statement.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen their partnership in their fight against terrorism, climate change, African development and the reinforcement of the Japan-US alliance, the ministry said.

The conversation -- conducted in English, without an interpretor -- provided a temporary respite for Aso, who is to face harsh questions from opposition leaders at parliament later Thursday over his economic measures and other key policies.