Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is visiting the United States, emphasized trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations on the 10th (local time), while also expressing his intention to continue pursuing a summit meeting with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un.
After the summit meeting with US President Joe Biden held at the White House in Washington DC on the same day, Prime Minister Kishida said at a joint press conference, "We agreed to cooperate more closely in the current North Korean situation, which is seriously concerning, including nuclear and missile development." He added, "Based on the shared recognition that the door to dialogue with North Korea is open, the US and Japan exchanged frank opinions," and "The US-Japan and South Korea-US-Japan trilateral cooperation will be strengthened in response."
Regarding the promotion of a Japan-North Korea summit to resolve the abduction issue, Kishida reaffirmed his previous stance, saying, "Realizing a relationship that produces results between Japan and North Korea aligns with the mutual interests of both sides and greatly contributes to regional peace and stability," and "We will continue high-level consultations to resolve various issues with North Korea." He also introduced that he "requested continued understanding and cooperation from the US for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue, receiving strong support once again from President Biden."
President Biden also responded to a question about the Japan-North Korea summit by saying, "I welcome such an opportunity," and "I have said many times that I am willing to talk with North Korea anytime without preconditions." For Japan, which urgently seeks a summit to resolve the abduction issue, securing public support from President Biden in various ways relieves some pressure. Prime Minister Kishida, whose approval ratings have plummeted due to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's slush fund scandal, has recently been making efforts to realize the Japan-North Korea summit.
However, difficulties are expected until the summit is realized. Earlier, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of Chairman Kim, and Vice Department Director of the Workers' Party, stated that although Prime Minister Kishida conveyed his willingness for a summit soon, "We reject any contact or negotiations with the Japanese side."
Regarding China, Kishida said, "We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or intimidation," and "At this US-Japan summit, we confirmed that both countries, as global partners, will firmly uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law." He also emphasized, "Under a solid trust relationship with our ally, the United States, we will continue to urge China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power."
However, he added, "While comprehensively promoting a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, we will also work together to build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship," and "We will continue to communicate closely at all levels."
Regarding the issue of Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, which President Biden had expressed negative opinions about, Kishida said, "I understand that discussions are currently underway between the parties involved, and I expect good discussions between the two countries," and "From Japan's perspective, I believe the US government will proceed appropriately according to the law."
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