Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President-elect Donald Trump have agreed to hold a meeting next week ahead of an APEC summit in Peru as strong alliance between Japan and the US is essential for regional peace and stability.<br/><br/>Abe talked with Trump for about 20 minutes over the phone today. The Japanese leader congratulated Trump on his election victory and said he is convinced that the United States will become a greater country under Trump's leadership.<br/><br/>Abe said, the Asia-Pacific region is the center of global economic growth and peace and stability in the region is a source of US strength. He then proposed a meeting at an early date. Trump said that he wants to meet Abe and hold forward-looking discussions.<br/><br/>He praised Abe's economic policy and said he is looking forward to working with the Japanese prime minister for years to come. He added he hopes to further strengthen the special relationship between Japan and the United States. The two agreed to make preparations to hold a meeting on November 17th in New York before Abe attends an APEC summit meeting in Peru.