Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question about the United States-North Korea summit meeting that is expected to take place in May. Will Prime Minister Abe be requesting President Trump to raise the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea at the aforementioned meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, at the latest Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk, the Prime Minister made a special request to President Trump concerning the abduction issue. As a matter of course, the Prime Minister will be working closely with the President so that the issue is fully taken up at the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting.
 
REPORTER: I have a question concerning the visit to Japan by a special envoy from the Republic of Korea (ROK) (to North Korea). A meeting between Mr. Suh Hoon, Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Foreign Minister Kono is scheduled to take place today. Could you tell us what is the current status of arrangements with regard to a meeting with Prime Minister Abe?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the NIS Director is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Kono and others so as to exchange views on the current situation, including the outcomes of the recent visit to North Korea by a delegation from the ROK. The itinerary other than the meeting with Foreign Minister Kono is currently being finalized.
 
(Abridged)