Japan's new foreign minister says he will travel next week to Southeast Asia, where he is expected to discuss economic and maritime issues ahead of an ASEAN summit next month.

Koichiro Gemba, who was named as foreign minister last month, said Tuesday he will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia from Tuesday to Friday next week. He said Japan needs to capture the dynamism of the region as Japan confronts the problems caused by a declining population.

Japan's national broadcaster NHK said Gemba also wants to discuss issues of free navigation and the resolution of regional conflicts in light of China's increasing maritime activities.

Japan last week hosted a conference of officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to discuss disputes with China over the South China Sea.

The issue is expected to be discussed at the East Asia and ASEAN summits which begin in Indonesia on November 1. Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, will travel to Bali for the meetings.