Obama calls U.S.-Japan ties 'cornerstone' of security in Asia
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia • U.S. President Barack Obama called the U.S.-Japan relationship the "cornerstone" of security in the region in a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
U.S.-Japan relations are important given the "increasing severity" of the security environment in Southeast Asia, said Noda, who congratulated Obama on winning a second term.
The two leaders were set to discuss jobs, trade and the economy.
Obama has added the summit to his annual list of high-priority international meetings as he seeks to expand U.S. influence in the region. He was also due to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
Obama will return to Washington before dawn Wednesday, in time for the ceremonial pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey.