Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > September 2020 > Meeting with Families of Abductees and Others
The Prime Minister in Action
Meeting with Families of Abductees and Others
September 29, 2020
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (5)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding the meeting (6)
[Provisional Translation]
On September 29, 2020, the Prime Minister held a meeting with families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister’s Office.
In the opening, the Prime Minister said,
“Thank you very much for taking time from your busy schedules to attend this meeting today. I wholeheartedly appreciate your coming. Ms. ARIMOTO Kayoko and Mr. YOKOTA Shigeru have passed away without being reunited with their daughters, Ms. ARIMOTO Keiko and Ms. YOKOTA Megumi, respectively. My heart is wrenched since they passed away. Once again, I pray for the repose of their souls. I also feel very sorry that even now many abductees are still left in North Korea.
On September 16, I was appointed as the 99th Prime Minister, succeeding the Abe administration. Until today, I have been engaging in a series of telephone talks with world leaders, including President Trump. During the telephone talk with President Trump, I asked for his cooperation in resolving the abductions issue by any means possible. President Trump responded that he will closely collaborate with us on the resolution of the abductions issue and the issues concerning North Korea. I also requested other leaders, such as President Xi Jinping of China and President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea, for their cooperation towards the resolution of the abductions issue to which they understood. Furthermore, in my address at the General Debate in the UN General Assembly, I appealed for the need to expeditiously resolve the abductions issue, and stated that I am prepared to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-Un without any conditions. I also stated that establishing a constructive relationship between Japan and North Korea will not only serve the interests of both sides but will also greatly contribute to regional peace and stability. These are the messages that I conveyed to the world through my address at the UN General Assembly. In order to realize the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date, I intend to take the lead and find a way out of this difficult situation, without missing any single opportunity. I will exert every effort in negotiations with that resolve.
Today’s occasion aims at conveying to you my administration’s determination. At the same time, we would like to directly listen to your thoughts. That is why we asked you to join with us. I am looking forward to the conversations. Thank you.”
