Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha emphasized close cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo over North Korean issues during her meeting on Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

During the talks at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Kang said the close bilateral relationship between South Korea and Japan as well as their close trilateral relationship with the U.S. is important in dealing with issues regarding Pyongyang.

She underscored the importance of the international community standing united, including at the UN Security Council, in putting pressure on the North through sanctions. She also delivered President Moon Jae-in’s hope that Abe will participate in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

During the meeting, Abe reiterated that South Korea is the most important neighbor that shares strategic interests with Japan. He said although there are some challenging issues for the bilateral relationship, he hopes South Korea and Japan will manage them well and make a future-oriented relationship together.

Abe also proposed the two countries put pressure on the North to alter the regime’s course over its nuclear and missile development. 

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