Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke by phone with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa, on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and other issues, his office said, the first such talks between the two top diplomats since Cho's inauguration.

The ministers assessed the improvement in bilateral relations and the rebuilding of trust between the two countries through the series of leaders' summits and foreign ministers' talks that took place last year.

In this vein, they agreed that it was important to continue efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties based on the trust between the top diplomats.

Cho and Kamikawa also agreed to work together, in close coordination with their mutual ally, the United States, in responding to North Korea's provocations, amid concerns over Pyongyang's recent belligerence and its illegal military cooperation with Russia.

They also agreed to work closely on the international stage, as both are elected members serving on the UN Security Council this year.

Congratulating Cho on his inauguration, Kamikawa thanked the South Korean government for its provision of humanitarian assistance to Tokyo to assist recovery in the wake of the massive earthquake in Ishikawa, according to Cho's office.

Cho, in turn, again offered consolation to the Japanese people over the disaster. (Yonhap)