South Korea-Japan summit sees hope for better relations

The leaders of South Korea and Japan have met in an attempt to improve ties after a difficult period in their countries' bilateral relationship.

President Moon Jae-in and PM Shinzo Abe held talks as part of a group summit with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in the Chinese city of Chengdu, BBC reports.

Disputes over trade and World War Two compensation have damaged relations in recent months.

This was the first formal meeting between the two for more than a year.

Mr Moon and Mr Abe met for 45 minutes, longer than the planned 30.

"Japan and South Korea are historically and culturally the closest neighbours, and very big, important partners on people-to-people exchanges," Mr Moon said.

He said he hoped differences could be sorted through dialogue, as the nations had a relationship that could not be set apart "even when there's some discomfort for a while".