South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki- moon left for Japan on Sunday to discuss issues including the nuclear problem and United Nations reforms with Japanese officials, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said.

During Ban's two-day visit to Japan, he is to meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the ministry said.

Ban's visit is also a part of his tour, which has already led him to China, Russia and France, to key UN Security Council members for their support for his election as the next UN secretary-general, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, Ban will discuss UN sanctions against Pyongyang over its Oct. 9 nuclear test and the resumption of the six-party talks on the nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula when meeting with Japanese officials.

Ban is expected to take over the post of UN chief from current UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Jan. 1 next year.

Source: Xinhua