Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, shakes hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Chengdou in southwestern China on Dec. 24. (Takeshi Iwashita)

CHENGDOU, China--Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in here for the first time in more than a year, with both leaders expressing a desire to move forward on historical and other thorny issues.

Abe and Moon met on the sidelines of a trilateral summit that includes China in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdou. It was their first meeting in 15 months.

During the 45-minute talks, Abe referred to South Korean Supreme Court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to compensate Korean wartime laborers who worked for them.

Abe said the court rulings were a fundamental reason for the deepening rift between the two countries that was heightened by trade tensions initiated by Japan.

"South Korea should take the initiative in presenting a solution," Abe said.

Moon said he aims to resolve the issue at an early date, according to a Japanese official with knowledge of the meeting.

Earlier in the talks, Abe expressed a desire to improve relations through an exchange of candid opinions.

"Japan and South Korea are important to each other as neighbors," he said, "Close coordination between Japan and South Korea, as well as among Japan, the United States and South Korea, is crucial to resolving the security issue involving North Korea."

Moon said he was pleased to have talks with Abe, adding that, "To resolve challenges between the two countries, it is crucial that the two leaders meet in person and engage in forthcoming discussions.

"I hope that the two governments come face to face and seek a solution promptly."

Abe and Moon agreed that diplomatic officials in Japan and South Korea will hold talks over the issue in the future.