Japan preparing for PM's S.Korea visit

TOKYO - Japan has begun preparations for new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to visit South Korea early in October, Kyodo news agency said on Friday.

New Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to other lawmakers at the opening of the extraordinary session of parliament in Tokyo September 28, 2006. Japan has begun preparations for Abe to visit South Korea early in October, Kyodo news agency said on Friday. [Reuters]

The visit might take place around October 7, Kyodo added. Government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Abe and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun agreed on Thursday in a phone call to meet at an early date to improve ties.