Abe says to step up contact with Park

TOKYO - Japan's premier-in-waiting Shinzo Abe said Thursday that he would seek close communication with the Republic of Korea's presidential election winner Park Geun-hye to enhance bilateral ties, according to Japan's Kyodo news.

Economic and personal exchanges between the two countries are solid and they also share strategic interests, Abe said in a statement after Park's victory.

Japan should closely cooperate with the neighboring country to maintain regional peace and stability, Abe added.

Abe's Liberal Democratic Party won by a landslide in Japan's House of Representatives election held on Dec 16 and he is expected to be the country's new prime minister on Dec 26.

Park Geun-hye of ROK's ruling conservative Saenuri Party won tightly contested presidential election held Wednesday, becoming the first female to lead the country.