South Korean President Roh Moo hyun agreed on Thursday to hold summit talks with Japanese newly elected Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at an appropriate time, the Presidential Office said.

The agreement was made while Abe telephoned Roh on Thursday morning and pledged to repair the strained relations between the two neighbors, Yoon Tae young, spokesman for the presidential office, told a briefing.

"The leaders agreed to meet at an appropriate time to discuss ways to improve Korea-Japan relations and discuss related measures through diplomatic channels," said Yoon.

Roh stressed mutual trust and respect is vital for a stable bilateral ties between the two nations, Yoon added.

During the 15-minute telephone, Abe expressed gratitude for Roh 's congratulatory message on his election of the Japanese prime minister earlier this week, Yoon said.

South Korea has rejected to hold summit talks with former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi since last November due to Koizumi's repeated visits to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine and disputes over history issues and territory.

However, Yoon didn't give details about when and where the summit talks will be held. Both Roh and Abe are expected to participate in the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in November in Vietnam this year.

Source: Xinhua