NHK reported that Foreign Minister Kono talked to reporters this morning about President Trump’s dismissal of Secretary of State Tillerson. He was quoted as saying: “Our views sometime differed but he was someone whom I really trusted and could talk to in a candid manner. Personally, this situation is very regrettable.” On the fact that CIA Director Pompeo was tapped to succeed Secretary Tillerson, Kono reportedly said: “The United States holds the key to the North Korea issue. I hope to meet with his successor as soon as possible and exchange views with him on such issues as North Korea. It is important for Japan, the United States, and South Korea to hold discussions and work closely before the planned summit between the U.S. and North Korea.”