Japan has approved shipments of a high-tech material to South Korea for the second time since imposing export curbs last month, sources said Tuesday.

The move comes ahead of talks by government officials this week to resolve a dispute stemming from the neighbors' wartime past. It also follows President Moon Jae-in's apparent attempt last Thursday to bring about a thaw in their frozen ties.

"If Japan chooses the path of dialogue and cooperation, we will gladly join hands," Moon said in a speech to mark the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule.