Mr Bush is expected to offer a public show of support for Japan and its efforts to revive its economy, but is likely to express concern in the United States - itself facing signs of economic downturn and slumping share prices - over the malaise in Japan, the world's No 2 economy. They will likely spend a good deal of time talking about the economy and reform possibilities in Japan, but will also discuss regional Asian issues and frayed security ties between Washington and Tokyo. Mr Bush will also apologize again for last month's submarine accident that killed nine Japanese. A senior administration official said the main purpose of the meeting, which will go on despite the fact that mr Mori is on his way out as Japan's Prime Minister, was to establish a relationship between Japan and the new US President. "The goal there is, as we've been doing with several of our key relationships around the world, just to signal the importance of the relationship," said the official.

(Reuters)