Japan PM Fumio Kishida says ready to meet DPRK leader Kim Jong-un

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Sep 2022 10:20

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida states that Japan remains committed to the diplomacy outlined by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed his willingness to meet Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday.

At the United Nations General Assembly, Kishida said that Japan remained committed to the diplomacy outlined by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on his historic visit to Pyongyang two decades ago.

"Japan is prepared to engage in dialogue on matters of mutual concern," Kishida said.

"I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong Un without any conditions and will miss no opportunity to take action with all my dedication," he added.

Kim previously met with former US President Donald Trump three times, easing tensions but failing to reach a permanent solution to its nuclear program.

It is worth noting that Japan is a close ally of the United States, conducting several military exercises in the Sea of Japan.

DPRK has long protested against the joint US-Japan war games, arguing that the US military and Japan's alliance with Washington prevent the improvement of ties, and generate further tension. In response to ongoing provocations, DPRK has lately passed legislation that declares the country a nuclear-weapon state, giving its leader, Kim Jong-un, sole authority over nuclear decisions, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing Pyongyang's state media.