Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the response policy from now on and other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"The Headquarters on the Abduction Issue has been newly established, headed by myself, and composed of all Ministers of State, so as to promote comprehensive measures on the abduction issue.
It is needless to say that abduction by North Korea is an unprecedented national crime, and is an important issue related to the sovereignty of Japan and the lives and safety of the people.
As the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue was established by myself during the last time I took office as Prime Minister, I am determined to securely resolve the issue while assuming the top responsibility.
I met with the family members of the abductees three days after the inauguration of the administration. There are many elderly family members, and I once again keenly felt the grave responsibility and the necessity for prompt efforts.
Today, we would like to exchange opinions on how we should carry forward our efforts from now on, including the response policy, and to promote united efforts of the government so as to realize the return of abductees as early as possible.
I would like to ask the Ministers who are the members of this headquarters to once again recognize that the abduction issue is a top prioritized issue for Japan, and exercise wisdom and work hard, toward resolving this issue."