Japan's chief cabinet secretary and South Korea's unification minister, who is visiting Tokyo, have asserted that the two countries will continue to work together in dealing with North Korea.

Japan's top government spokesperson Matsuno Hirokazu also serves as the country's abductions issue minister. He met with South Korea's Kwon Young-se on Thursday at the prime minister's office in Tokyo.

Matsuno noted a recent visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to Japan was a big step toward normalizing bilateral relations.

He told Kwon that he wants to frankly exchange opinions on how to deal with North Korean issues, including the abductions of Japanese nationals by the North.

In response, Kwon said North Korea's human rights issues are important, but very difficult.

He said discussions between the two nations will help resolve the abductions issue as well as the issue of families separated during the Korean War.

Matsuno asked for understanding and cooperation for the resolution of the abductions issue. Kwon expressed support.

The ministers also agreed to work closely together in addressing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.