South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul after holding a welcome ceremony at the Presidential palace on Sunday.

"Cooperation and coordination between South Korea and Japan are essential not only for the common interests of the two countries, but also for world peace and prosperity," Yoon said in opening remarks at their meeting, according to Reuters.

Kishida told Yoon that his "heart hurts" when he thinks of suffering and pain during Japanese colonial rule, in a nod to historical disputes that have soured relations between the two countries.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Kishida said his government inherits the stance of earlier administrations, some of which have issued apologies. 

"For me personally, my heart hurts when I think of the many people who endured terrible suffering and grief under the difficult circumstances of the time," he said.

Yoon said that the two leaders agreed to send experts to conduct a scientific analysis before discharging nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.

Kishida arrived in South Korea on Sunday, marking the full-scale resumption of "shuttle diplomacy" between the two countries' leaders after 12 years, Yonhap reported.

According to Kyodo News, Kishida became Japan's first political leader to visit South Korea in over five years, as the two countries seek to improve ties.

Representatives from several South Korean civic groups rallied over the weekend in front of the presidential office and city center of Seoul to protest against Kishida's two-day visit to Seoul.

(With input from agencies)

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