Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Japanese PM awaits response to summit proposal with N. Korean Leader


(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s invitation for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has not yet elicited a response from Pyongyang, according to reports citing government sources.

Takaichi, elected on October 21, expressed her desire to meet Kim “directly” to “achieve concrete results.” She emphasized her commitment to resolving the longstanding abduction issue, stating, “I will do everything during my term to have a breakthrough and resolve the matter.”

Known for her conservative and hawkish approach to diplomacy and security, Takaichi’s stance mirrors that of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

During a press briefing, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara avoided commenting on North Korea’s reaction, noting only that Japan is communicating with Pyongyang “through various channels.”

Japan officially recognizes 17 citizens as having been abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. Five were returned in 2002 following talks between then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, but little progress has been reported since.

Japan and North Korea maintain no formal diplomatic ties, and Pyongyang claims the abduction issue has been resolved.

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