AKIPRESS.COM - Japan's foreign minister said on Friday he was arranging a visit to South Korea and hoped for an early resolution to a row over "comfort women", as those forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels are euphemistically known, Reuters reports.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had instructed Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to make the trip to Seoul for talks. Japanese media reported that the talks could take place on Monday.

The "comfort women" issue has long plagued ties between the East Asian neighbours, although relations have warmed since Abe met President Park Geun-hye last month. That meeting took place partly under pressure from the United States, which is keen to see its two allies get along.

"I'm ready to rack my brains, do my utmost and sweat," Kishida told reporters. He did not specify a date for the visit.

"We have been trying to realize the agreement ... to accelerate talks and seek an early settlement. This is part of this effort," Kishida said.

Abe, like many conservative Japanese politicians, had in the past criticized a 1993 apology acknowledging the role of Japanese authorities in coercing the women. As prime minister, Abe has said he stands by the statement.

In 1995, Japan set up a fund that offered letters of apology signed by prime ministers and financial aid combining compensation from public donations and medical support from the government for individual women. It was wound up in 2007.

South Korea, which for a time appeared willing to put the issue to rest, has said those steps were not enough.