The Washington Post has described the recent meeting between the defense ministers of South Korea and Japan as “an initial step that could lead to the first joint military agreement between the countries since World War Two.”

The paper said Tuesday that the defense leaders held talks Monday in Seoul about possible intelligence- and equipment-sharing agreements that would boost military ties between the East Asian neighbors, noting that such a step is strongly encouraged by Washington.

The daily said that until Monday, military leaders from Seoul and Tokyo had not met in nearly two years.

The report then quoted analysts as saying that initial signs of improved relations have emerged, particularly in the aftermath of North Korea's November shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. The daily also cited that when the United States and Japan held military drills in early December, South Korea sent observers to participate.