His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday left for Tokyo where he will hold talks with Japan's Emperor Akihito and senior officials.

Talks between the two leaders will focus on means to develop bilateral relations, especially economic relations. They will also address the latest regional developments and means to achieve regional peace.

Shortly before his departure to the Japanese capital, King Abdullah met with Prime Minister Samir Rifai, who briefed the King on the government's steps to implement programmes it adopted in response to His Majesty's directives in the Letter of Designation.

During the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi and the King's Adviser Ayman Safadi, Rifai highlighted the government's priority projects which include economic and service projects that seek to improve economic performance and citizens' standard of living.

King Abdullah expressed satisfaction with the government's work, stressing the need to continue working in accordance with clear and well-defined programmes to achieve results that reflect positively on citizens' quality of life.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal was sworn in as regent.