Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the highest-ranking U.S. military officer on Wednesday that he wants to send a message to the world through his upcoming visit to the United States that Tokyo and Washington will play a "leading role" in ensuring peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

In a meeting in Tokyo with Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the start of which was open to the media, Abe also vowed to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Dempsey said he brought a message from U.S. President Barack Obama that he very much looks forward to Abe's eight-day official visit to the United States, which is scheduled to begin April 26.

Pointing out that the regional security environment has become increasingly complex in the past two years, Dempsey expressed hope that the bilateral relationship will be strengthened further.

Dempsey said he believes the planned revision of guidelines on bilateral defense cooperation will help the two allies build more cooperative relations.

The Japanese and U.S. governments announced Monday that Abe will visit Boston, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and hold talks with Obama on April 28 in the White House.