TOKYO -- Japan's top government spokesman stressed Friday the ideals that unite the country with the U.S. as well as their common duty to create a better Asia.

     "Sharing such fundamental values as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and the rule of law, Japan and the U.S. must work hand in hand to build peace and prosperity in the region," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told an audience here.

     Suga spoke at a reception for guests of the Mount Fuji Dialogue, a gathering of influential figures in politics and business from both countries sponsored by the Japan Center for Economic Research and Japan Institute of International Affairs.

     The Japan-U.S. alliance has attained an "even higher dimension," Suga said, noting new guidelines for defense cooperation adopted in April.

     In a message to the audience while traveling abroad, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged "serious and frank discussions between comrades who share the same purpose" on both sides.

(Nikkei)