Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi intends to secure the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean intelligence in the 1970s during his tenure as prime minister, and is ready to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to do so. He announced this in his speech in the parliament on the occasion of his inauguration.
"I am firmly committed to ensuring the return of all Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea during my tenure. We are working towards achieving progress in this matter, not excluding any option, including holding a summit with President Kim Jong-un," he emphasized. Takaichi also again criticized Pyongyang, accusing it of developing a nuclear missile program, which he said "has become a more serious and immediate threat to Japan."
Prime Minister Takaichi announced his willingness to hold personal talks with Kim Jong Un shortly after his first election late last year. At that time, he also emphasized that Pyongyang was immediately informed about Japan's position on this matter.
