Japanese and North Korean officials launched a new round of talks today on solving the North’s abductions of Japanese citizens in the 70s and 80s.

The two countries agreed in May that North Korea would reinvestigate the fates of the abductees.

In return, Japan is to consider lifting sanctions on the North.

Japanese negotiator Junichi Ihara said the agreement needed to be steadily implemented and its effectiveness ensured.

North Korea’s Song Il-Ho said sincerity was required from both countries.

At the meeting, the North is to explain the structure of a new team in charge of the reinvestigation.

Japan wants to find out if the team will be authorized to probe all state organs in North Korea and whether anyone close to leader Kim Jong Un will be included.

The talks come only two days after North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan.