South Korea and Japan say they share the opinion that the international community must be stern in responding to North Korea’s uranium enrichment program.

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and his Japanese counterpart Seiji Maehara made the confirmation at a news conference following a meeting between the two in Seoul on Saturday.

Kim added that both nations shared the opinion that improving inter-Korean relations is a prerequisite to Seoul agreeing to resume dialogue with Pyongyang.

Maehara, on his part, added that Seoul and Tokyo agree that inter-Korean talks must precede North Korean dialogue with Japan.

Maehara also said he and Kim reaffirmed that there needs to be a comprehensive resolution of the nuclear and missile issues, and the kidnapping of Japanese citizens by North Korea, in order to ensure regional peace and stability.