Answer at House of Councillors Plenary Session
"Strengthening Japan-U.S. Cooperation to Resolve North Korea Issue"
Trump Inquires About Situation in South Korea
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reportedly requested cooperation from the United States on the issue of Japanese abductees during his first summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 7th (local time).
On the 12th, Prime Minister Ishiba was asked about the North Korea-related discussions at the Japan-U.S. summit during the House of Councillors (upper house) plenary session. He said, "Keeping in mind the possibility of negotiations between North Korea and the U.S., I requested cooperation to resolve the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea," adding, "It is a significant achievement to have received full support from President Trump for resolving the abduction issue."
He added, "Under a solid trust and cooperative relationship, we will closely cooperate between Japan and the U.S. to realize the early return of all abductees and to address various issues with North Korea."
He also stated, "At this summit, we shared our understanding of the North Korean situation, confirmed the necessity of joint measures regarding the nuclear missile issue, reaffirmed a firm commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization, and recognized the importance of strengthening Japan-U.S.-South Korea cooperation."
Earlier, in an interview with Japanese media following the Japan-U.S. summit, Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned, "We agreed that denuclearization of North Korea is something both the U.S. and Japan must pursue."
Regarding the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea, he said, "Japan must take the initiative in resolving this, but it is very meaningful that President Trump mentions the abduction issue when meeting with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un."
On the tariffs announced by Trump, he referred to Mexico and Canada, which have been identified as main culprits causing issues such as drugs and illegal immigration, saying, "I do not think Japan is treated the same as countries with problems." Unlike Mexico and Canada, Japan, which has presented a $1 trillion investment gift to the U.S., is interpreted as likely to avoid tariff pressure.
Earlier, U.S. President Trump officially announced on the 10th, as previously forecasted, that a 25% tariff would be imposed on steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S. Trump emphasized that "there will be no exceptions or exemptions" regarding this tariff and announced that the measure would take effect on March 4.
According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), Japanese government officials reported that President Trump also inquired about the situation in South Korea during this summit.
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