Gulf Today Report
US President Joe Biden said on Monday that he supports Japan becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council, NHK public television said on Monday.
Calls have been rising recently for reform of the United Nations Security Council, where both Russia and China are permanent members.
READ MORE
Biden says 'hello' to North Korea's Kim amid tensions over weapons tests
Russian offensive turns to key Donbas city heavy shelling
The cornerstone of Biden's visit, which includes meetings with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, in the "Quad" group, will be the launch of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a broad plan providing an economic pillar for US engagement with Asia.
"The US-Japan alliance has long been the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and the United States remains fully committed to Japan's defence," Biden said at the beginning of talks with Kishida at the Akasaka Palace in central Tokyo.
Biden was greeted with a military honour guard that played the anthems of both countries under a bright blue sky.