U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy upon his arrival at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Obama is in Japan for a three-day state visit. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
April 23, 2014 - 3:06 AM
TOKYO - President Barack Obama is opening a four-country visit to the Asia-Pacific region in Japan, but the West's dispute with Russia over Ukraine is looming.
Obama arrived in Tokyo Wednesday night on an official state visit. He was headed straight for a private dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh ah-bay) before bilateral talks Thursday. Obama also will be the honoured guest at a state dinner.
The situation in Eastern Europe remains tense days after the U.S., Russia, Ukraine and the European Union signed an agreement calling on Moscow to use its influence to get pro-Russian forces to leave government buildings they have occupied in eastern Ukraine.
The West promises additional sanctions against Russia if that does not happen.
Obama will also visit South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014