Trump meets with Japan’s Prime Minister ahead of Singapore summit

World Today

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden of the White House on June 7, 2018 in Washington, DC. (AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGAN)

With just days to go before the Singapore summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe came to talk strategy with the U.S. president.

CGTN’s Jessica Stone reports.

Abe said he wanted to make sure he and his key ally share the same strategy for next week’s talks with DPRK leader, Kim Jong Un.

“I would like to take this opportunity to make sure that we two have the utmost policy coordination as to our approach to the planned summit meeting,” said Abe in the oval office, seated next to Trump.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Abe told Trump that Tokyo needs a promise from Pyongyang to abandon development of short and long-range missiles – as well as its nuclear weapons. Abe said Japan also wants the return of abducted Japanese citizens.

“And what is more important – the abduction issue. The solution to all these issues must be resolved,” said Abe.

Trump said he’s open to restoring diplomatic relations, to ending the Korean War, and to hosting Kim at the White House – provided Pyongyang agrees to get rid of its nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe walk through the Colonnade to a joint press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on June 7, 2018 in Washington, DC. (AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGAN)

“I’m totally prepared to walk,” said Trump. “I hope it’s not necessary because I believe Kim Jong Un wants to do something for his people.”

Trump said he has 300 additional U.S. sanctions teed up against Pyongyang if Kim isn’t ready to give up his nuclear weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that Kim personally confirmed to him he’s willing to denuclearize. Pompeo would not specify how, or when.

Pompeo contends that’s “why the leaders are meeting,” adding that Kim can say what he’s prepared to do. Both Pompeo and Trump continue to say they believe Kim will disarm if Japan, China and the Republic of Korea rebuild his country and if the U.S. guarantees his security.