U.S. President Barack Obama and Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda praised the long-standing U.S.-Japan alliance during their first face-to-face meeting Wednesday.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting, President Obama said the two countries have cooperated on a range of issues including security and the economics, but added that the alliance has to be modernized to meet the needs of the 21st century. He also said U.S. will do everything to help Japan's successful recovery following natural disasters in March.

Japanese leader said his administration's top priority is the reconstruction from the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. He said Japan's alliance with the U.S. has been the pillar of Tokyo's foreign policy, and that the ties have become even stronger with U.S. unwavering support after Japan's disaster.

Mr. Noda took office earlier this month as Japan's sixth prime minister since 2006.