In a recent development, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has signaled potential openness to a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. However, the possibility hinges on a crucial political decision that Japan must make, according to a report by Yonhap News agency citing Kim’s influential sister.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with Kim Jong-un, as per an English-language statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim Yo-jong, the vice department director of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, relayed Kishida’s intention to meet with the North Korean leader at the earliest opportunity, as reported by Yonhap.
According to the report, Kim Yo-jong emphasized the necessity for Japan to make a political decision aligned with its overall interests if it genuinely seeks to improve bilateral relations and foster regional peace and stability as a neighboring country of North Korea. The statement suggests that Japan must opt for a strategic approach conducive to mutual interests.
Responding to these developments, Prime Minister Kishida addressed the matter in parliament, acknowledging his administration’s efforts to pursue a potential summit with Kim Jong-un. However, he expressed unawareness of the specific report mentioned by Yonhap. Kishida highlighted the significance of such talks in facilitating the return of Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang in the past, as reported by Japanese news agency Kyodo.
The historical context of diplomatic interactions between Japan and North Korea was also highlighted. In 2002, Kim Jong-un’s father, then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, met with then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Pyongyang. During this meeting, North Korea admitted to the abduction of 13 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s for espionage purposes. Subsequently, North Korea allowed five of the abductees to temporarily return to Japan, while maintaining that the remaining eight were deceased. Japan has persistently demanded the repatriation of all abductees and their families.
It’s crucial to note that Japan and North Korea lack formal diplomatic relations, adding complexity to potential negotiations and diplomatic endeavors. Kim Jong-un’s statement also underscored North Korea’s commitment to non-aggression towards Japan, contingent upon Japan respecting North Korea’s sovereignty and security in an equitable manner, as per the KCNA report.
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