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On May 19, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with families of the abductees and attended a Citizens’ Rally, “Send Home All Abductees together at One Time, Immediately!” in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in his address at the meeting with families of the abductees,

“I would like to express my gratitude for your taking time despite your busy schedules and giving me the opportunity to meet and speak with all of you.

Recently I visited the United States and held a U.S.-Japan Summit Meeting with President Trump. At that occasion, he shared with me more details of the second U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting. The President conveyed my thoughts on the abductions issue at the tête-à-tête (one-on-one meeting) with Chairman Kim Jong-Un, the very first occasion of the first day, which is the most important of all. From a diplomatic standpoint, a tête-à-tête is a significantly valuable occasion for diplomacy involving very sensitive issues, which is the same with us. I believe that Chairman Kim Jong-Un would understand the significance of the fact that President Trump allocated some of that time for and mentioned the abductions issue by himself. He also raised the abductions issue once again at the small banquet and discussed this issue with Chairman Kim Jong-Un. In that sense, the abductions issue has occupied an important part in the U.S-North Korea Summit Meeting and therefore it was significant.

President Trump will visit Japan next week. At that time, he will again meet with you. It seemed that he had a very strong impression at the meeting with you when he visited Japan last time. President Trump has the strong desire to contribute to resolving this issue. I believe that is why he took the time himself to raise this issue at two consecutive U.S.-North Korea Summit Meetings.

In addition to that, Japan must act by itself proactively so as to resolve the abductions issue. We must break the shell of mutual distrust and take a new step forward on this issue. To that end, I, myself, am determined to meet face-to-face with Chairman Kim Jong-Un. I intend to meet with him without attaching any conditions, and to hold frank and candid discussions.

We have had various opportunities to see each other and I also received your letters. At each occasion, I always feel your strong desire that this issue should be resolved at the earliest possible date. In February of this year, the Association of Families of Victims (AFVKN) and National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea (NARKN) established new guidelines and compile a message for Chairman Kim Jong-Un. I am determined to exert every effort to realize the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date, keeping the thought that you put into them.

The Abe Cabinet will resolve the abductions issue. Our mission does not end until the day arrives when the abductees and their families can hold one another in their arms. I will exert every effort with that resolve. I would like to discuss this further and in more detail later. I am looking forward to listening to your thoughts.”

In addition, the Prime Minister said in his address at the Citizens’ Rally,

“I would like to offer a few remarks upon this Citizens’ Rally.

This time, over 13 million signatures that have been collected seeking the resolution of the abductions issue are on display on my left-hand side. As it has been introduced earlier, this year marks the 22nd year since the formation of the AFVKN. The family members and everyone else spent these 22 years to earn nation-wide sentiment, which has led to these 13 million signatures. This was surely no easy work. You needed to ask for support even in the days of rain and days of wind. During the period when this issue was not necessarily well understood among the pubic, you collected these signatures from so many people only with the families’ desire to have their child or family member back. The Government must take this fact seriously once again. Since the five abductees returned to Japan in 2002, more than 16 years have passed without materializing the return of even a single abductee. As a politician who has been working on this issue from the beginning and as someone who participated in the Japan-DPRK Summit Meeting as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, that is a matter of greatest regret.

As the family members are advancing in age, it is important to cooperate closely with the international community, including the United States. I visited the United States last month and President Trump shared with me more details of the second U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting. The President leaned in with a very serious face and explained to me the atmosphere of the meeting and the way in which Chairman Kim Jong-Un talked. The President told that he had conveyed my thoughts on the abductions issue at the tête-à-tête (one-on-one meeting) with Chairman Kim Jong-Un, the very first occasion of the first day, which is the most important among all. This tête-à-tête is literally a one-on-one meeting, only accompanied by interpreters, an important format often used to discuss sensitive issues, issues that could affect national interests; Chairman Kim Jong-Un would certainly understand that the United States placed great importance on the abductions very much. The President also raised the abductions issue during the small banquet afterwards and held serious discussions with him. I consider this to be very significant. Between President Trump and me, we confirmed to continue our close cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue. The President gave me the encouraging words that he continues to fully cooperate with us. Next week, President Trump will make a State Visit. During his visit this time, he is scheduled to meet with families of the abductees. I hope that you will directly convey your earnest desires as families to the President.
In addition to that, Japan must act by itself proactively so as to resolve the abductions issue. I, myself, am determined to meet face-to-face with Chairman Kim Jong-Un so that we can break the shell of mutual distrust. I intend to meet with him without attaching any conditions, and to hold direct, frank and candid discussions. The abductions issue is the most important issue for the Abe Cabinet. I had an opportunity to talk again with families of the abductees, while having lunch, prior to this rally. I listened to the families’ truly earnest wishes on this issue. Today, the representative of the families, Mr. Iizuka, was unfortunately not able to attend for health reasons. Likewise, Mr. Shigeru Yokota, husband of Ms. Sakie Yokota, is also unwell, as is Mr. Arimoto’s wife. Our mission does not end until the day arrives when the abductees and their families can hold one another in their arms in good health. I renewed my determination in this regard.

Indeed, as this issue has not been resolved to this day, it is not easy work to do. Unfortunately, it is a fact that there has been no prospect of holding a Japan-North Korea Summit Meeting soon. Meanwhile, it is important that the people of Japan come together towards the resolution of the abductions issue and demonstrate our strong desire towards the return of all the abductees at the earliest possible date. I do believe that this voice will move the international community to action and hence move North Korea to action.

I would like to conclude my remarks by promising that I will continue to stand united with you and boldly take actions to resolve the abductions issue, without missing any single opportunity. Let us work hard together. Thank you very much.”