Japan, U.S. affirm cooperation on countering cyber attack

　　TOKYO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan and the United States affirmed on Tuesday their continuous cooperation on countering cyber attack, referring to recent alleged cyber attack against Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

　　Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told his U.S. counterpart John Kerry through telephone the day that Japan " appreciates" the U.S.' new sanctions against the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea over the alleged cyber attack, adding that Japan "strongly condemns" the alleged hacking.

　　"Japan recognizes that a cyber attack is a serious issue that relates to the security of a country," Kishida said at a press conference after his telephone talk with Kerry.

　　The two diplomatic chiefs also agreed that the two countries will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the world as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, according to local reports.

　　Meanwhile, Washington also urged Japan to resolve historical issues with its neighboring countries, according to U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Monday.

　　"We encourage Japan to continue to work with its neighbors to resolve concerns over history in an amicable way through dialogue, " she said, referring to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plan to issue a new statement in the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.