Meeting with Families of Abductees and Others
March 16, 2022
[Provisional Translation]
On March 16, 2022, the Prime Minister held a meeting with families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“We have just received an action policy of the Association of Families (of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea) and the National Association for the Rescue (of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea).
Today we received an action policy from Mr. YOKOTA Takuya, who succeeded Mr. IIZUKA Shigeo as the representative of the Association of Families. However, I am truly sorry that the position of the representative of the association needed to be taken over again.
I am aware that words that “We will never give up” were added to the slogan for the action policy we have just received. As I mentioned in the farewell ceremony for Mr. IIZUKA Shigeo the other day, I will take his wishes behind his words that “I will not give up” and “I cannot give up” to my heart and make continuous efforts with the determination to do everything in my capacity to resolve the abductions issue.
Meanwhile, I have heard that you met with Mr. Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan two days ago. I have been informed that at that time, Ambassador Emanuel wore a blue-ribbon pin badge on his chest, and that he said that his heart ached after listening to your stories despite different backgrounds or situations where each victim was abducted and that the United States would continue efforts until every abductee reunites with their family.
In a video conference summit meeting with President Biden the other day, I received strong support for early resolution of the abductions issue from the President, and we will continue to closely work together with the United States and the international community to advance our efforts.
Until the abductions issue is resolved, I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un face to face, without any conditions.
We will exert every effort to realize the return of all the abductees to Japan at the earliest possible date, without missing out on any opportunities.
Today I would like to once again lay your wishes behind the action policy to heart. Thank you.”