Japan PM Takaichi vows 'breakthrough' in abduction issue with N. Korea
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Tuesday to find a breakthrough to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted in the past
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi committed herself to finding a breakthrough regarding the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea during a meeting with the families' representatives on Tuesday, according to Kyodo news. Takaichi, who assumed office in October last year, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that there is no time to waste.
She vowed to explore various approaches through multiple channels to tackle the issue with North Korea, which has no diplomatic ties with Japan. Takaichi also highlighted that U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged strong support for resolving the issue during their meeting in New York in September. Yokota, whose sister Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977, recounted his U.S. visit last month in an attempt to secure additional assistance from Washington to secure the abductees' return.
Japan officially recognizes 17 citizens as abducted by North Korea between the 1970s and 1980s, with five repatriated in 2002. The issue gains greater urgency as abductees' families age, but North Korea's persistent nuclear and missile programs complicate diplomatic efforts and outreach.
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