Japan will continue to support efforts by the Malaysian government in search and rescue (SAR) operation for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

The Embassy of Japan here in a statement issued Friday night, said Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe told this to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in a 10-minute telephone call at 5.30pm, Friday.

The statement said Abe expressed his deep concern about the missing aircraft which has not been found so far despite intense searching efforts.

Abe also stated that he appreciated that Najib had been assuming strong leadership in a difficult situation and expressed his willingness that Japan would further continue to support the efforts made by Najib, it added .

Abe said his country was conducting search operations using five aircraft at the moment and had decided to move two aircraft to Australia in response to the request by the government of Malaysia.

He also asked Najib to make any further request to Japan whatever the cooperation was necessary as the relationship with Malaysia was special to Japan.

The statement also said Najib expressed his gratitude to Abe for his warm words.

Najib also stated that Japan's assistance with aircraft in the search operation for the missing aircraft had been very worthy and helpful, and that he was very grateful as it was encouraging, it added.

Abe also stated that he was willing to help as a friend of Prime Minister Najib and asked to be informed if any assistance was needed.