The comments came Wednesday during Fukuda's meeting with Lee Sang-deuk, a special envoy from South Korean president-elect Lee Myung-bak.

Welcoming Lee's election as president, the Japanese leader said he looks forward to stronger Seoul-Tokyo ties, describing it as a new era in bilateral relations.

In addition to pledging cooperation in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue, Prime Minister Fukuda emphasized the need for greater dialogue and exchange between Seoul and Tokyo on the economic front.

A delegation led by Lee Sang-deuk, the deputy speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, is in Tokyo for a four-day visit on behalf of the incoming president.

Arirang News