Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga (Photo:AFP/VNA)

Suga was responding to South Korea's expression of regret for Japan's decision to halt discussions. Seoul did not accept a proposal for both sides to provide evidence, and that makes it difficult to continue talks, Suga said, but Japan nevertheless wants to maintain two-way security cooperation. He added it's important for Tokyo to continue communicating with Washington and Seoul on issues such as North Korea.