Lee, Aso meet on DPRK, economy

TOKYO: The leaders of the Republic of Korea and Japan pledged yesterday to work together to bring the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) back to the table for negotiations aimed at persuading Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

ROK President Lee Myung-bak spent the day in Tokyo for meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso - a month after Pyongyang's underground nuclear test ratcheted up tensions in the region.

The leaders, who spoke to reporters at Aso's residence, said they also discussed how to foster stronger economic cooperation. Aso said initial negotiations aimed at eventually forming a free trade agreement would be held on July 1.