- Title: Japan PM seeks meeting with N Korea's Kim despite missile launch
- Date: 4th October 2019
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (FILE - SEPTEMBER 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF NATIONAL DIET BUILDING
- Embargoed: 18th October 2019 07:36
- Keywords: Japan parliament Shinzo Abe Prime Minister Emperor Naruhito North Korea Kim Jong Un
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Lawmaking,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA002AZOJY9Z
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday (October 4) he was determined to meet North Korea's leader to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents, maintaining an offer to talk despite the country's missile launches.
"I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un face-to-face, with no preconditions, to resolve the all-important abduction issue," Abe said in a policy speech at the beginning of a parliamentary session.
Japan condemned North Korea's latest missile test on Wednesday (October 2), with Abe saying it was a violation of United Nations sanctions.
Turning to ties with South Korea, soured by a feud over wartime labour that has spilled over into trade and security matters, Abe reiterated a call for Seoul to observe a promise to Tokyo.
Last October, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced to work in their mines and factories during World War Two. Japan has called the court decision a violation of international law.
(Production: Kwiyeon Ha) - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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