Apr 28, 2018 (NHK) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has welcomed the outcome of the inter-Korean summit. He expressed hope that North Korea will take concrete action in the wake of the historic meeting.
Abe spoke to reporters on Friday about the summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
He noted that Moon and Kim had a sincere discussion about the North's denuclearization and other issues. He said he welcomes the talks as a sign of progress toward the resolution of issues concerning North Korea.
He said he appreciates Seoul's efforts to arrange the summit.
Abe said he hopes that North Korea will take concrete action following the inter-Korean summit and a US-North Korea summit that may take place in the weeks ahead.
He said his government will keep a close eye on the situation in North Korea.
He said he will be briefed by Moon over the phone about the details of the discussions at the summit.
Abe expressed hope that Japan, the United States, and South Korea will work closely to comprehensively resolve the North Korean nuclear and missile issues, as well as the issue of abductees taken to the North.
He said he will seek the cooperation of the international community, including China and Russia.
Abe said his government will analyze the joint declaration issued by Moon and Kim to consider how Japan should respond.
He said the government will compare the declaration with a previous one issued by former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and then leader of the North, Kim Jong Il.
Abe dismissed concerns that Japan might be left out of negotiations on North Korean issues.
He said he and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed during their recent summit that they share the same basic approach on the matter.
He said he also held talks with Moon based on his discussions with Trump.
