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On April 7, 2021, 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,

“I appreciate you coming to the Prime Minister’s Office amidst your very busy schedules today. We have just received the action policy of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea (AFVKN) and the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea (NARKN).

It grieves me deeply that we have not been able to bring back any abductees since the return of five abductees in 2002, and for the Government, this is profoundly regrettable. The abductions issue is the highest priority issue for my Cabinet. I will take the lead in addressing the issue in close collaboration with the United States and other countries concerned, with the determination to resolve the issue, engaging in all possible means.

I received a courtesy call from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during their visit to Japan last month and asked for cooperation on the part of the U.S. toward the immediate resolution to the issue and received ready support. In addition, I understand that Secretary Blinken wore this blue-ribbon pin badge during his visit to Japan and said he was very deeply moved by a letter from Ms. YOKOTA Sakie and others.

I believe your thoughts surely have reached across. And I myself plan to hold a summit meeting with President Joseph Biden on the 16th next week. I will appeal directly to the President about how important the abductions issue is for Japan, seeking his understanding, and move forward in cooperation toward the resolution of the issue. On top of that, Japan must act on its own initiative, above all, to resolve this issue. I am determined to face Chairman Kim Jong-Un without attaching any conditions. We are resolved to tackle the issue to realize the return of all abductees to Japan at the earliest possible date. We will dedicate our efforts once again, taking your action policy and earnest wishes in the message to Chairman Kim Jong-Un.”