Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There were statements on the overview of the first Cabinet meeting and on the ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting.)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question relating to North Korea. A senior White House official has indicated that the meeting between President Trump and families of the abductees by North Korea, which is scheduled to take place during the President’s visit to Japan, was materialized because President Trump was moved by what he had heard about the victims and their families. The United States maintains its stance of not discounting the military option in the response to North Korea, so how does the Government perceive the significance of this meeting with the families of the abductees?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is of the utmost importance to gain the understanding and cooperation of the United States in order to resolve the abduction issue as soon as possible. It is of great significance that on his first visit to Asia, President Trump will meet with families of the abductees, which will lead to deeper cooperation between Japan and the United States. In face-to-face meetings and also in telephone talks to date, Prime Minister Abe has repeatedly emphasized that the abduction issue is of the utmost importance for Japan and has requested the President’s support. In that sense, I believe that the meeting between the President and families of the abductees is of great significance.