The Japanese government plans to seek an early conclusion to talks with the administration of president-elect Joe Biden on its share of the cost of stationing US forces in the country. Biden is set to take office next month.

The two countries have not reached an agreement in working-level talks which started last month. It is unusual for the discussions to stretch to the following year.

Additional costs for holding next year's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be shared by three parties, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government shouldering the largest portion.

The Tokyo government, Japan's central government and the Game's organizing committee agreed on the cost sharing plan on Friday.

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says his country and Australia have reached broad agreement on a pact related to joint exercises by the Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military.

At a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday, Suga expressed hopes of strengthening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of fields including national security and defense.