WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara Friday held an "in-depth discussion" on regional and bilateral issues, the White House said.

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They also discussed the goals for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's planned visit to the United States in the first half of 2011, the White House said in a statement.

"Mr. Donilon expressed appreciation for Japan's efforts in strengthening the US-Japan alliance and for Japan's contributions to numerous global issues," the statement said.

They agreed that the United States and Japan will continue close consultation and cooperation on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and other areas of mutual concern, it added.

US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with the Japanese minister Thursday.