TOKYO — Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan declared on Thursday his continued determination to pursue a summit with North Korea, despite recent rejections from Pyongyang to engage in dialogue.
According to Yonhap News Agency,, the rejection came in response to Japan's concerns over North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens and nuclear ambitions. The Prime Minister emphasized the potential benefits of improved relations for both countries and regional stability. The issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s remains a contentious point, with Japan seeking the return of all abductees. Despite North Korea's earlier openness to better relations, recent communications have soured, highlighted by a critical statement from Kim Jong-un's sister, accusing Japan of political manipulation.