Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has discussed Burma and whaling in his first telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart.

In the 20-minute conversation with Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Mr Rudd canvassed the two countries' frustration over Burma, and the difficulty that they have had getting the regime to agree to allow in foreign aid workers.

They also discussed the topics they will cover at a summit meeting in Tokyo next month, including Japan's hope for Australian support on the issue of climate change.

The two leaders discussed whaling, and said they would agree to make sure their differences over that issue do not harm bilateral relations.

Mr Rudd is due to visit Japan twice in the next two months, for a summit meeting in June and to attend the G8 leaders' talks in July.

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