``The alliance between our two nations is the embodiment of an unshakable friendship,'' Albright said after briefing Japanese officials on US President Bill Clinton's China tour. ``It is the foundation for stability in the Asia-Pacific. It is the cornerstone of our strategic policy in Asia.That alliance is rock-solid for the 21st century,'' she added.

Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, who met Albright for 30 minutes, expressed support for Clinton's just-concluded trip, saying this was good for Asia and good for Japan,'' a US official said.

``It was a very positive meeting,'' said James Foley, a spokesman for the US State department adding, ``The Prime Minister was appreciative of the President's gesture in having secretary Albright come to Tokyo to brief himand his government. And this indeed underlines the closeness of our relationship.''

In her meetings with Hashimoto and Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi, Albright also delivered an American message of support for Japanese efforts to pull out of recession and help cure Asia's economic woes, including a new plan to gradually close failing banks.