Japanese Kishida: "Engaging in various activities for North Korea-Japan summit"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 9th regarding the North Korea-Japan summit, "We are specifically engaged in various activities. That is the situation."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Kishida appeared at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the same day and, when asked about the promotion of the North Korea-Japan summit, said, "I will make the necessary decisions myself." He continued, "Considering the current state of North Korea-Japan relations, I strongly feel the need to boldly change the situation," adding, "I will take the initiative to build relations between the leaders."

However, he did not disclose any specific details about contact with North Korea.

Prime Minister Kishida has repeatedly stated his intention to hold a summit with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un to resolve the issue of Japanese abductees. It is known that the two countries had secret contacts last spring for this purpose.

Kyodo News analyzed, "In his response at the House of Representatives Budget Committee, Prime Minister Kishida did not make any remarks that could be interpreted as criticism regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile issues," and added, "He may be appealing to Chairman Kim for a dialogue stance and trying to elicit a positive response toward a summit."

Earlier, when a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Honshu, on the 1st of last month, Chairman Kim sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Kishida on the 5th of the same month.

At that time, Chairman Kim addressed Prime Minister Kishida as "Your Excellency" and said, "I have heard the unfortunate news that many lives were lost and there was material damage due to the earthquake in Japan from the beginning of the New Year. I express my sincere sympathy and condolences to you, the bereaved families, and the victims through you."

In response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese government spokesperson, said at a press conference the following day, "We have received condolence messages from various countries regarding the damage caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and we would like to express our gratitude for Chairman Kim Jong-un's message as well."