TOKYO - Singapore Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam on Thursday called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during an official visit to Japan.

The two leaders discussed the United States-Japan security alliance and the general regional situation, among several issues, a statement from Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said.

Mr Shanmugam was also hosted to a working lunch by his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

The ministers agreed to jointly explore initiatives to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations in 2016.

Mr Shanmugam also met Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki, and exchanged views with Democratic Party of Japan parliamentarians including DPJ Acting President Katsuya Okada.

He is to meet Minister of Justice Yoko Kamikawa and Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who oversees population decline matters, on Friday, MFA said.