All papers reported that President Trump phoned Prime Minister Abe Tuesday evening while en route to Washington to brief him on the outcome of his summit with Kim Jong Un, including their conversation on the abduction issue. According to a GOJ source cited by Yomiuri, Kim’s response to the President’s reference to the abduction issue was “not negative.” Asahi quoted a source close to the premier as saying: “The President brought up the abductions in conjunction with economic support.” While declining to disclose Kim’s reaction to the President’s reference to the issue, PM Abe reportedly told the press after the call: “As for the abductions, I am determined to deal directly with North Korea and resolve the issue with strong support from President Trump…. It is significant that Kim Jong Un clearly promised President Trump that North Korea will completely denuclearize.” The prime minister separately expressed support for the joint statement earlier in the day by saying: “It is a first step toward a comprehensive settlement of the outstanding issues involving North Korea.”