Japan, S.Korea to press N.Korea to take action

Japan and South Korea have agreed to increase efforts for concrete action by North Korea toward denuclearization.

The agreement came on Saturday in New York, during a meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and his South Korean counterpart Kim Sung Hwan.

The 2 ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation between Japan, South Korea and the United States to deal with North Korean nuclear issues.

Gemba said Japan welcomes the inter-Korean talks and upcoming dialogue between the US and the North.

He asked South Korea to further cooperate with Japan in resolving issues related to Japanese nationals abducted by the North.

Kim made a proposal for government talks on the subject of Korean women forced to work in military brothels during World War Two.

However, Gemba turned down the request, and said that all compensation issues between the 2 countries were completely and conclusively addressed.

Kim invited the Japanese Prime Minister to visit South Korea, and Gemba invited South Korean President Lee Myung-bak to visit Japan.

Gemba also expressed his desire to visit the South at an early date.