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On April 17, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
Regarding his visit to the United States, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Various issues have been pointed out concerning government affairs. The government cannot do without the trust of the public. To gain the confidence of the public, I, as the head of the government, am determined to responsibly ensure that the whole truth is uncovered for each and every issue and to clean out the stables.
 
I am heading to the United States today and will hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump over the course of two days. I intend to confirm our bilateral cooperation on the North Korean issue as well as the economic issues, and to convey the robust ties of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
 
I would also like to confirm that we will continue to apply maximum pressure on North Korea towards its abandonment of nuclear weapons and missiles in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. In addition, with respect to the abduction issue, which is our greatest priority, the first U.S.-North Korea summit meeting will be convened; prior to this summit meeting, I will do my utmost to ensure that progress is made towards the resolution of the abduction issue and coordinate our efforts with President Trump.
 
With regard to the economic issues, I hope to exchange views based on our common understanding that Japan and the U.S. will play leading roles in the economic growth of the Indo-Pacific region through free and fair trade and investment.
 
There will be various opportunities for discussion over the two days, and I hope to engage in extensive and candid dialogue with President Trump on issues relating to North Korea and the economy.”