Japan's Kono to visit Mongolia from Sat. to discuss N. Korea issues

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Taro Kono will make a three-day visit to Mongolia from Saturday to discuss issues such as the denuclearization of North Korea and its abduction of Japanese citizens, government officials said Friday.

Kono will hold talks with his Mongolian counterpart Damdin Tsogtbaatar to affirm close cooperation in addressing the issues and make a courtesy visit to President Khaltmaa Battulga.

Tokyo has hoped Ulaanbaatar will act as a mediator in resolving issues related to Pyongyang, as Mongolia has diplomatic ties with North Korea, while Japan does not.

Kono will also attend the opening ceremony for Mongolia's first university hospital built with Japan's overseas development assistance, the officials said.