(VOVworld)- Masanori Nishi, Japanese Vice Defense Minister and his South Korean counterpart Baek Seung Joo met on the sideline of the Asian Vice Defense Minister meeting in Seoul on Wednesday.

Vice Defense Minister Nasanori Nishi (left) and his South Korean counterpart, Baek Seung-joo, meet Wednesday in Seoul. Photo: Kyodo

It was the first meeting since November, 2011. Nishi said he hoped this meeting will help restart dialogue between the two countries. He also announced a bill to establish an institution similar to the US National Security Agency and on Tokyo’s plan to reform the pacifist constitution suggesting that Self-Defense Forces should be expanded as a formal military power. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Vice Defense Minister expressed his concern about Japan’s intention to pursue the right of self-defense. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear issue and discuss an agreement to share intelligence.