Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi on Wednesday called for reinforced security ties and an overall partnership with the United States, underlining Japan-U.S. relations as the main pillar of Japanese diplomatic policy.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of his landmark visit to the U.S., Obuchi also said that the economy is about to bottom out and that the government does not currently find it necessary to compile a supplementary budget to stimulate it.

During his six-day trip to the U.S., Obuchi will visit Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington. He is expected to meet President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore as well as U.S. business leaders and university students.