The top diplomats of Japan and South Korea have shared the view that bilateral relations remain important in the face of a tougher security environment.

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi arrived in Seoul on Monday and met with his counterpart Cho Tae-yul.

The ministers reaffirmed their countries would maintain and strengthen momentum for improved relations.

They also agreed to help promote exchanges between young people as the two countries mark 60 years since normalizing diplomatic relations this year.

Iwaya and Cho also discussed regional situations. They shared a grave concern over North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and the country's deepening military cooperation with Russia.

The meeting was held one week before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The ministers agreed on the need for three-way cooperation with the United States to respond to North Korea and tackle issues in the Indo-Pacific along with economic security matters.

They also agreed that they will work to hold a foreign ministers' meeting with China chaired by Japan at an early date.