Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi told South Korean leaders Saturday that Japan will continue to cooperate, both bilaterally and with the United States, with efforts to get North Korea to engage with the international community, a Japanese official said.
The two sides agreed to seek dialogue with North Korea during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum's foreign ministerial talks, scheduled to be held late this month in Brunei. North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun may attend the meeting.
In separate talks with South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Choi Sung Hong in Seoul, Kawaguchi also confirmed plans for the two countries to promote future-oriented joint cultural projects for youth, as well as sporting exchanges.
Kawaguchi arrived in South Korea late Friday night. She placed flowers at the national cemetery in light rain Saturday morning before the talks at Choi's official residence. That was followed by a meeting with Kim. at the Blue House.