Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba is visiting Seoul for talks with his South Korean counterpart on nuclear issues and a potential visit to South Korea by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

Officials said Gemba and Kim Sung-hwan will coordinate policy on a potential resumption of nuclear negotiations with North Korea amid escalating diplomacy on the issue. South Korea's newly appointed chief envoy to the talks, Lim Sung-nam, departed earlier Thursday for a visit to the United States.

The ministers were also expected to discuss a proposed visit to Seoul by Mr. Noda, who took office last month. The two-day visit is expected to begin October 18.

Other issues between the countries include South Korea's request for compensation for women who were forced into sexual slavery serving Japanese soldiers during World War II.

The South Korean government has been ordered by the courts to pursue the matter, but Japan insists it was settled with a package of grants and loans in 1965.

Gemba's agenda in Seoul also included a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak.