South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha had a phone discussion with her Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, late in the day. They held an "in-depth" discussion on various issues, such as preparations for upcoming inter-Korean summit talks, the North Korea nuclear issue and their bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Kang reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to peacefully resolving the issue of the North's nuclear program and promised to closely cooperate with relevant partners on that matter. Mr Kono called for close cooperation to make the planned inter-Korean summit a success. The two diplomats also agreed to work together to hold a trilateral summit involving the leaders of the two countries and China as soon as possible and to continue consultations on Kono's trip to Seoul at the earliest date.