TOKYO -- Japan-U.S. ties are expected to remain close in the wake of U.S. President George W. Bush's re-election, and Japan's troops are likely to stay in Iraq.
Bilateral cooperation will continue to benefit from the close personal relationship between Bush and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the Mainichi Shimbun predicted Thursday.
"I want to develop the bilateral relationship with the United States based on my ties with the president. I don't expect any change in the U.S. stance concerning Japan," the paper quoted Koizumi as saying.
The Japanese government must soon decide whether to extend the period of service of its troops in Iraq, as the initial deployment expires on Dec. 14. Ruling coalition politicians apparently believe Tokyo must extend the dispatch to retain smooth relations with Washington.
Some officials are concerned that hard-line, neo-conservative politicians might have a greater say in the new Bush administration as Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has stressed a cooperative approach in international affairs, is reportedly expected to resign, the paper added.
