[Provisional translation]
In her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi stated as follows.
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
I am Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan. Let me offer a few words on the occasion of this National Rally.
It has taken far too long, now more than 20 years since 2002, to bring the remaining abductees home. During that time, the victims have grown older, and sadly, many of their family members have passed away. We cannot afford to waste any more time. It is the duty of a sovereign state to ensure that all abduction victims, regardless of whether they have been officially recognized or not, can set foot on the soil of their homeland as soon as possible. This is my mission, and to this end, I will work tirelessly, backed with an unwavering determination and the voices of the Japanese people.
For the sake of the future of both Japan and North Korea, and based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, the Government of Japan is prepared to engage in dialogue and take concrete action to establish a mutually fruitful relationship. For me, as the head of the Japanese government and a Japanese citizen, it is only natural that I hope for the return of Japanese people who were abducted and have been separated from their loved ones for many years. Including a summit meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un, I remain determined to keep all options open, do whatever I can to make a breakthrough during my tenure, and bring the abduction issue to a resolution. I am currently working in concert with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara and the members of the parliamentary group on the abductions issue.
I hope that Japan and North Korea will work steadily toward mutual prosperity as well as regional peace and stability. I say this outright because I believe that the people of North Korea are probably seeing this message as well. These are things I sincerely hope for. I intend to take a courageous step forward together with Chairman Kim Jong-un for the citizens and people of both sides and for the young people of the future.
Needless to say, securing the return of the Japanese abductees is the responsibility of the Japanese government. Above all, Japan must take the initiative. At the same time, it is also extremely important to work in close coordination with the international community. As Chairperson Furuya mentioned earlier, at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting in March, I once again gained full support from President Trump for our efforts to address the abductions issue. Furthermore, at last week’s Japan-Republic of Korea summit, I sought President Lee’s continued understanding and cooperation in working toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and we concurred on the importance of those efforts.
In addition, as you are all aware, since the beginning of this year, a great many foreign leaders have visited Japan, and I held summit meetings. The UN Secretary-General also paid a visit recently. Without exception, at every single summit meeting, I have made it a point to convey my hope to work together toward the resolution of the abductions issue. In any event, we are taking every opportunity to gain understanding and secure cooperation from countries around the world in connection with the abductions issue, and I believe the international community is steadily coming to understand the issue on a broader scale.
Moreover, the strong, unanimous resolve that the Japanese people continue to show serves as a powerful push to the Government’s efforts to resolve the abductions issue. To all those present here today and all those watching via livestream, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do—whatever form it might take. Allow me to take this opportunity to ask for your continued and further support moving forward.
With the determination to resolve the abductions issue under my Cabinet, I am working tirelessly each and every day. I would like to assure you that the entire government is working on this effort with an earnest, united determination, making sure not to miss any single opportunity, so that we can present concrete results to you as soon as possible.
Today, despite suffering a dislocation and being in pain, Ms. Yokota came here with the resolve to make her appeal to all of you. From the bottom of my heart, I truly hope she takes the best possible care of her health. To all the family members eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones, I know that you are under immense stress—but please take good care of yourselves. We, too, will bear down and do our best in our efforts. Please stay healthy and wait for that day when you can embrace your family members again. That is my heartfelt wish.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to everyone who joined us today and wish you continued good health. Thank you very much.