Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday said he was willing to meet face to face with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and wanted to improve relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang.

During an annual address at the opening of Japan’s Diet, Abe indicated a possible softer stance on North Korea going forward, though did not include any information on possible timelines for the meeting.

“I will act resolutely, never failing to seize every opportunity to break the shell of mutual distrust, and I myself will directly face Chairman Kim Jong Un next to resolve North Korea’s nuclear and missile