22 December
The leaders of Japan and the United States have agreed to continue close cooperation in dealing with North Korea amid Pyongyang's increased provocative stance. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump talked over the phone for nearly 90 minutes on Saturday night, Japan time.
The conversation came at Trump's request. The leaders spent much time on analyzing the latest information on North Korea and closely coordinating plans to cope with the country. Pyongyang has been acting provocatively ahead of the year-end deadline it set for US concessions over denuclearization talks. Abe criticized North Korea's dangerous provocations and told Trump that he continues to completely support a process initiated by the US and North Korea.
The leaders agreed to further increase their cooperation to resolve the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang as well as the country's nuclear and missile programs. Abe also explained to Trump what he discussed with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at their summit in Tokyo on Friday. Abe told Trump that he will continue to work closely with the US and maintain diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the Middle East.
Abe also briefed Trump on the Japanese Diet's approval of a new trade deal with the US earlier this month and he intends to continue boosting bilateral cooperation. After the phone talks, Abe told reporters that he will leave for China on Monday to attend a trilateral summit with the leaders of China and South Korea.
Abe said he wants to use the summit to have full discussions for the peace and stability of the region and to confirm cooperation. The prime minister added he will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.—NHK
