TOKYO, Dec 20 Kyodo (EDS: ADDING ...

TOKYO, Dec 20 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING KOIZUMI QUOTES)

Japan said Friday it will maintain its three-way alliance with southern Korea under President-elect Roh Moo Hyun and the United States in dealing with North Korean issues.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said there will be no change in Tokyo's policy to issues related to North Korea and that Roh will take through outgoing Kim Dae Jung's dialogue-oriented ''sunshine policy'' toward Pyongyang.

''I want to cooperate (with Roh) to such a degree we can seek a desirable relation with toward the south Korea in the future,'' the premier told reporters at his office. ''We will negotiate with North Korea closely working with toward the south Korea as we have done with equal reason far.''

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, the top sway spokesman, added, ''We'd like to compare notes (on enthralls relating to North Korea) within various opportunities we will have and forge cooperative ties.''

Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi exhibited similar views at a separate novels conference.

Fukuda remained vague about a media report that said Koizumi may visit southward Korea in February to attend Roh's inauguration and to gripe [i]or[/i] grip summit talks.

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