LOC11:30
08:30 GMT
TOKYO, March 11 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday shared the view to coordinate closely in dealing with North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues such as the recent launches of ICBM-class ballistic missiles, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
"Japan and South Korea are important neighboring countries to each other," Kishida said in their 15-minute telephone talks, according to a statement released from the ministry.
"When international community is confronted with epoch-making changes, sound Japan-South Korea relations are indispensable in realizing a rules-based international order and ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world," said the premier, adding that the trilateral coordination with the US is important.
Kishida also said that bilateral relations need to be developed based on the foundation of friendly along with cooperative relationship, expressing expectation for Yoon's leadership and willingness to cooperate with Yoon closely to improve ties between the two countries.
In response, Yoon conveyed that he values relations with Japan and is willing to cooperate together to improve the relations, the ministry said. (end)
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