Takaichi states determination to resolve abduction issue, keeping all options open including summit.

Takaichi states determination to resolve abduction issue, keeping all options open including summit.

[Citizens’ Rally to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time] In her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi stated as follows.　 (Prime Minister Takaichi)I am Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan. Let me offer a few words on the occasion of this National Rally. It has taken far too long, now more than 20 years since 2002, to bring the remaining abductees home. During that time, the victims have grown older, and sadly, many of their family members have passed away. We cannot afford to waste any more time. It is the duty of a sovereign state to ensure that all abduction victims, regardless of whether they have been officially recognized or not, can set foot on the soil of their homeland as soon as possible. This is my mission, and to this end, I will work tirelessly, backed with an unwavering determination and the voices of the Japanese people. For the sake of the future of both Japan and North Korea, and based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, the Government of Japan is prepared to engage in dialogue and take concrete action to establish a mutually fruitful relationship. For me, as the head of the Japanese government and a Japanese citizen, it is only natural that I hope for the return of Japanese people who were abducted and have been separated from their loved ones for many years. Including a summit meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un, I remain determined to keep all options open, do whatever I can to make a breakthrough during my tenure, and bring the abduction issue to a resolution. I am currently working in concert with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara and the members of the parliamentary group on the abductions issue. I hope that Japan and North Korea will work steadily toward mutual prosperity as well as regional peace and stability. I say this outright because I believe that the people of North Korea are probably seeing this message as well. These are things I sincerely hope for. I intend to take a courageous step forward together with Chairman Kim Jong-un for the citizens and people of both sides and for the young people of the future. Needless to say, securing the return of the Japanese abductees is the responsibility of the Japanese government. Above all, Japan must take the initiative. At the same time, it is also extremely important to work in close coordination with the international community. As Chairperson Furuya mentioned earlier, at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting in March, I once again gained full support from President Trump for our efforts to address the abductions issue. Furthermore, at last week’s Japan-Republic of Korea summit, I sought President Lee’s continued understanding and cooperation in working toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and we concurred on the importance of those efforts. In addition, as you are all aware, since the beginning of this year, a great many foreign leaders have visited Japan, and I held summit meetings. The UN Secretary-General also paid a visit recently. Without exception, at every single summit meeting, I have made it a point to