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On March 30, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting with families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“Just now, you presented me with a resolution. In relation to North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues, North Korea has begun to seek dialogue from its side under circumstances in which we have been working together with the international community to firmly increase the pressure on North Korea to the maximum level and ensuring that there are no loopholes. I highly value this very change in North Korea’s attitude.

Next month, a summit meeting between the Republic of Korea and North Korea is scheduled to be held. After that, it is expected that the United States and North Korea will hold a summit meeting. The abduction issue, upon which Japan places the utmost importance, will absolutely not be neglected.
 
In that regard, I held summit telephone talks with President Trump on April 9, and President Moon on April 16. I told both of them that, from the perspective of Japan, parties must find a way to resolve the abduction issue, and asked them to thoroughly discuss this issue with North Korea and call on it to take action.
 
Several months ago, when President Trump visited Japan, he took time to meet with Ms. Hitomi Soga, a former abductee, and with family members of other abductees. I told President Trump that you were all deeply moved by this opportunity. In response, he said to me that he understood very well what I wanted to say.
 
Next month, I will visit the United States and hold a summit meeting with President Trump. I intend to have a thorough discussion on the issues related to North Korea. In particular, I will again explain the position of Japan on the abduction issue. Furthermore, I will explain that it is necessary that the United States also raise the importance of this issue with North Korea and discuss steps towards its resolution. That is what I intend to do.
 
In any case, in 2002, the five abductees returned to Japan. They arrived at Haneda Airport. They once again had a chance to hold their families tight. I will exert every possible effort to ensure that all of you will also have the same opportunity to hold your children and your family members tight once again. My mission will not be complete until that day comes. The Abe administration will move forward with that resolve and settle this issue once and for all. I am determined to realize the return of all victims to Japan.”