Japan, North Korea agree to continue dialogue

ULAN BATOR (AFP) - Senior Japanese and North Korean diplomats ended rare talks on Friday, with reports saying they were eyeing a further meeting.

Japanese negotiator Shinsuke Sugiyama said the two sides agreed to continue their dialogue for "further consideration" about the issue of the North's past abduction of Japanese nationals, according to Jiji Press.

During the two-day meeting in the Mongolian capital, they agreed that the next round of talks would be held as soon as possible, Jiji and Kyodo News reported, quoting Mr Sugiyama.

"Although the consultation itself is not an easy matter, both sides have exchanged views sincerely," Mr Sugiyama told Japanese reporters on Thursday night, after a nearly seven-hour session.