NHK reported that Prime Minister Abe commented on the U.S.-DPRK summit at a joint press conference with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir this morning. “A historic U.S.-DPRK summit is being held in Singapore as we speak,” said PM Abe. “I hope that the summit will bring progress toward resolving the issue of nuclear and missile programs, and most importantly, the abduction issue. North Korea has abundant resources and labor and can carve out a bright future if it chooses the right path. I will continue to work closely with Prime Minister Mahathir to convey a strong message to North Korea.”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga is said to have told reporters this morning: “I strongly hope that today’s summit will bring progress on the issue of nuclear and missile programs, and most importantly, the abduction issue, and be a historic one that takes a big step forward toward peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Japan will fully cooperate to that end.”
Foreign Minister Kono reportedly said this morning: “The focus will be on whether North Korea will make a clear commitment to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible elimination of all of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and ballistic missiles of all ranges. President Trump is supposed to raise the abduction issue, but ultimately this is an issue that needs to be discussed between Japan and North Korea.”
Defense Minister Onodera said: “Based on North Korea’s past actions, even if certain promises are made at the U.S.-DPRK summit, we must not let our guard down until we can confirm concrete actions. North Korea has not promised anything yet and has not taken any concrete actions. We will continue to stay vigilant.”
Abduction Issue Minister Kato said: “The families of the abductees held a press conference yesterday and expressed their high expectations as well as concerns about the summit. They also said this will be their last chance. I strongly hope that the U.S.-DPRK summit will end in success and bring progress on the abduction issue.”
