Tokyo (PTI): Seeking to give a fillip to the strategic Indo-Japanese ties, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrived here on Thursday on a four-day visit during which the two sides would discuss ways to step up bilateral trade and investment amid the global economic downturn.

"We have a long-standing and friendly relations with Japan. We have also established a strategic and global partnership with them. Our relationship with Japan has always been a priority for the government of India," Mr. Krishna told reporters soon after his arrival here.

Mr. Krishna's first visit to Japan as External Affairs Minister would focus on the global meltdown and he would meet his Japanese counterpart Hirofumi Nakasone as part of the annual strategic dialogue.

"Our strategic relations with Japan is one important reason that has brought me here so soon after I assumed office as External Affairs Minister. I am looking forward to my meeting with Nakasone and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, as well as other Japanese leaders," Mr. Krishna said.

During his visit, the External Affairs Minister would review the bilateral partnership and the two Foreign Ministers would exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Krishna and Mr. Nakasone are also expected to discuss the reform of international institutions like the UN and other global financial bodies.

India and Japan are both aspirants for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council and are part of a four-nation G-4 grouping that is pushing for the expansion of the powerful organ of the world body. Other G-4 members are Germany and Brazil.

The External Affairs Minister will also inaugurate the new building of Indian embassy in Tokyo and interact with members of the Indian community