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The Prime Minister in Action
Luncheon with U.S. Vice President Pence Hosted by the Prime Minister
April 18, 2017
Photograph of the commemorative photograph session
Photograph of the Prime Minister extending his greetings (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister extending his greetings (2)
Photograph of the luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister
[Provisional Translation]
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a luncheon for the Hon. Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States of America, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
"I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to Vice President Pence on his visit to Japan.
With the increasingly severe situation surrounding North Korea, Vice President Pence's visit to Japan comes at an extremely appropriate time.
Through this visit to Japan of Vice President Pence, I would like to clearly demonstrate that the robust bond of the Japan-U.S. Alliance is unwavering.
It goes without saying that we must seek diplomatic efforts and a peaceful settlement of the issue. At the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue has no value, and it is also necessary to exercise pressure so that North Korea engages in serious dialogue.
Japan values that the Trump administration no longer sticks to the concept of strategic patience but addresses issues of North Korea based on the concept that all options are on the table.
In any event, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to you, Vice President Pence, for visiting Japan, along with your wife and daughter. Thank you."
