[Provisional Translation]

On September 18, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).

The Prime Minister said the following in response to questions about his visit to the United States, the dissolution of the House of Representatives, and other matters.

“The solidarity of the international community is being tested by the dangerous, repeated provocations made by North Korea, which threatens world peace. I will strongly communicate this during my speech to the United Nations General Assembly. The international community must completely carry out the recently adopted resolutions for sanctions on North Korea, and make North Korea change its policy. I will thoroughly advocate this. In addition, I would like to use the timing of the UN General Assembly to hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting and Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea summit meeting to have thorough discussions on the issue of North Korea, and confirm our close cooperation grounded in strong solidarity. I also want to speak with as many leaders as possible, and further strengthen the cooperation of the international community against North Korea.

Concerning the dissolution of the House of Representatives, I would like to refrain from commenting in detail. I will make a judgement on this after I return to Japan.”