Washington, Feb 18, SPA -- White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday said that U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso will meet this month in the White House for a working visit. Obama and Prime Minister Aso will meet on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, Gibbs said. “Japan is a close friend and a key ally of the United States and the President looks forward to discussing ways in which the two countries can strengthen cooperation on regional and global challenges,” the statement said. Without disclosing specifics, the statement said “the two leaders will consult on effective measures to respond to the Global Financial Crisis and will discuss North Korea and other issues.” --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/636724