The first meeting between vice ministerial-level officials from the two countries will likely take place around fall, the official told reporters.

The dialogue framework will be used to exchange views on the strategic environment in the Asia-Pacific region and how to cooperate in dealing with challenges.

After being started with vice ministerial-level talks, the framework should have a ministerial-level meeting, probably sometime next year, the official said.

The ministerial-level talks could take place either when Canada hosts the Group of Eight powers' meetings or when Japan chairs Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum sessions, both next year, according to the official.

Nakasone and Cannon met on the fringes of a three-day G-8 foreign ministerial gathering in this northern Italian port city, which will close Saturday.

The two discussed other issues as well, including continuing to study the impact of a possible free trade agreement and North Korean threats.

The G-8 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States. The foreign ministers' talks are a preparatory session for the annual G-8 summit, which is to be held this year in L'Aquila, Italy, from July 8-10.