TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday (Nov 4) he may take on the additional role of foreign minister until a new Cabinet is formed later this month, as the incumbent foreign minister is set to take over a key ruling party post.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday officially confirmed Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi as the party's secretary-general, its No. 2 post and a powerful role that includes shaping policy.

"Until the new Cabinet, I am thinking of working as foreign minister as well," Mr Kishida, who previously served as foreign minister, told reporters.

Mr Motegi said he would focus on tasks such as recovery of the pandemic-hit economy and party reform to enhance diversity, vowing to drive policy with speed.

"It is very important to show the LDP is changing, as we implement what we can do fast, while presenting the big picture," he said.

He said the ruling party would discuss details for extra budget with its junior coalition partner to create "rich, fulfilling" economic measures.

Mr Kishida led the LDP to better-than-expected election results on Sunday, with the party retaining its strong majority in the lower house.

The parliament is set to convene a special session on Nov 10 to confirm Mr Kishida as prime minister. He is expected to name a new Cabinet, which is likely to remain largely unchanged except for the post of foreign minister, shortly afterwards.