Pyongyang has begun a search for missing Japanese nationals and will take "appropriate steps" if such people are located, according to a joint statement signed by representatives of the Red Cross societies of Japan and North Korea on Monday.
Also confirmed during the talks, held as part of efforts to normalize diplomatic ties, was Tokyo's formal conveying of its plan to send 1000,000 tons of rice to its impoverished neighbor.
Tadateru Konoe, vice president of the Japanese society, headed the Japanese delegation while Ho Hae Ryong, vice chairman of the North Korean society, led the North Korean delegation.
North Korean representatives expressed gratitude for Japan's offer of rice supplies, which will be delivered via the World Food Program. It effectively ends Tokyo's freeze on food assistance to North Korea, maintained since 1998, when Pyongyang test-fired a rocket over Japanese airspace.