WASHINGTON — A delegation of U.S. senators led by Hawai'i's Daniel K. Inouye this morning began day-long, private discussions with their counterparts from both houses of Japan's national legislature on a wide-range of issues, including the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, and U.S.-Japan security arrangements and economic relations.

The talks on Capitol Hill, the first under the U.S.-Japan Interparliamentary Exchange established by Sen. Inouye, are meant to strengthen the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship, and help forge stronger personal relationships among lawmakers from both countries, according to a news release from Inouye's office.

"As our nation faces the challenges of the 21st century, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, it is important that the United States and Japan continue to work together as problem-solving partners," Inouye said in the news release. "We can only benefit by sharing ideas, analyzing challenges, and discussing possible solutions."

Other topics to be discussed include the world economy, climate change, energy, the Korean Peninsula, China, and the political situation in the United States and Japan.

In addition to Inouye, the Senate delegation includes Senators Ted Stevens of Alaska, the Vice Chairman; Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Patty Murray of Washington, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Maria Cantwell of Washington, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Sens. Stevens and Inouye earlier established a similar program between the U.S. Senate and China's National People's Congress, which had their first formal exchange in 2004.