The US and Japan today sought meaningful steps from North Korea to ease tensions with Seoul, besides discussing a number of global issues including forging cooperation with China and India for greater energy security.

Talking to media persons in a joint press conference in Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the long lasting relationship between the US and Japan is a guarantor of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region. Clinton and her visiting Japanese counterpart Seiji Maehara vowed to work together on issues of global and strategic importance.

Clinton said the United States and Japan have affirmed the need for North Korea to take meaningful steps to engage the Republic of Korea, restart the Six-Party Talks, and fulfill its commitments under the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement.

The two leaders also discussed Iran. She said that the US and Japan underscored the resolve of the international community to persuade Iran to abide by its international obligations, and address forthrightly the international community’s concerns over its nuclear ambitions. Clinton further said that with China and India, they seek to work together to forge greater energy security as their economies continue to grow.