US welcomes Japans new policy on collective self-defense

They added that the policy would enable Japan to make greater contributions to global peace and security

US Vice President Joe Biden called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and welcomed his government's new policy on collective self-defense, saying that it will enhance bilateral ties and enable Japan to make greater contributions to global peace and security.

Lauding Japan's recently announced sanctions on Russia, the two leaders agreed on the importance of continued G-7 coordination to press Russia to stop its destabilising actions in Ukraine, the White House said.

Biden also hailed Japan's support for the P5+1's efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution that ensures Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.

"The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining close coordination on North Korea as the US and Japan pursue the shared goal of denuclearising," the White House said.

Biden and Abe also assented to the US and Japan's support to Jordan and other countries dealing with instability arising from conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

"The Vice President welcomed Japan's continued engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Prime Minister Abe's current visit to the region," the White House said.