Society

Aso, Pence conclude talks on trade, N.Korea

Oct 17 (NHK) - Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday confirmed that the 2 countries will coordinate to increase pressure on North Korea.

At the start of their second round of bilateral economic dialogue at the White House, Pence said the United States will work closely with Japan to further isolate the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Aso said the North is a grave and imminent threat that underscores the importance of the Japan-US alliance. He noted that the relationship is backed by economic ties.

In a joint document issued after their meeting, the 2 sides said they will study ways to facilitate US auto exports to Japan by simplifying screening procedure. They also called for cooperation on infrastructure development and natural gas exports.

But the document doesn't mention specific trade policies, and Japan and the US remain apart in their approach. US officials have called for launching negotiations for a bilateral free trade deal with Japan. The Japanese side favors a multinational framework like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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