Japan is attempting to enlist Vietnam’s help to resolve contentious issues regarding North Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nong Duc Manh in Tokyo Monday and urged for Vietnam’s cooperation on the implementation of a U.N. presidential statement denouncing the North’s April fifth rocket launch. Aso also asked for Vietnam’s help in settling the issue of Japanese abducted by the communist state as well as Pyongyang’s nuclear issue.

According to Japanese media, Mahn said his country is willing to engage in close cooperation with related countries, including Japan, on North Korea-related matters.

Vietnam currently maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea.