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Japan's Abe heads for New York for first talks with Trump

Tokyo : Japan's premier Shinzo Abe headed to New York Thursday for talks with Donald Trump, the first leader to meet with the president-elect whose campaign pledges provoked anxiety over US foreign policy.

The brash billionaire is set to receive Abe at his Trump Tower headquarters on Thursday evening, in an encounter that will be closely watched for hints on long-standing security pacts that he has called into question.

"I'm honoured to meet with President-elect Trump ahead of other world leaders," Abe told reporters. "I'd like to discuss with President Trump our dreams for the future."

Trump's blithe comment during the campaign that the US might be "better off" with nuclear-armed Asian allies has thrown into question the US security umbrella over Japan and South Korea.

His later disavowal of the remarks has done little to restore confidence in Washington as the lone superpower ready to face down a rising China and a capricious North Korea.

Trump has also talked about yanking thousands of troops from the region unless Tokyo and Seoul pay more of their hosting costs, despite the opportunity that would present to China and its ambitions for regional supremacy.

"The Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and security," Abe said before departing. "The alliance works only when there is trust."

"I'd like to build trust with Mr Trump and work together hand in hand for the peace and prosperity of the world."