Korea and North korea will hold diplomatic talks on Jan 9

South Korea's Unification Ministry has confirmed official talks between South and North Korea will go ahead.

In this handout image, a South Korean government official checks the direct communications hotline to talk with North Korea on 3 January, 2018. Source: Getty Images

The two will hold diplomatic talks on Tuesday. (jan 9)

A ministry spokesman says they will discuss issues of mutual interest.

Japan has sounded a note of caution about the planned talks between North and South Korea.

It says countries should remain aware the North will continue developing its weapons program.

North and South Korea will hold official talks next week for the first time in more than two years after Pyongyang accepted Seoul's offer for dialogue, just hours after the United States and South Korea delayed a joint military exercise.

Japan's defence minister Itsunori Onodera says Tokyo will remain vigilant.