(camera shutters)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (inaudible)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) I’d first like to extend a warm welcome
on your first visit to Japan as the Secretary of State.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (in Japanese)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) And also I would like to pay my tribute
to your strong leadership that you have demonstrated
in negotiating with North Korea.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (in Japanese)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) I highly value your first visit to Japan
and its timing, being right after your visit to North Korea for your negotiation
with the North Korean side. And this clearly shows the unwavering bond under the Japan-U.S. alliance
and also between myself and President Trump, which has become robust, more so than ever.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (in Japanese)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) Having the settlement of the outstanding issues
of concern surrounding North Korea, including nuclear missile and abduction issue,
will be extremely important for Japan, but also that will be extremely important for regional peace and stability.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (in Japanese)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) And also in this context, at the most recent historic
summit meeting between the United States and North Korea, President Trump directly conveyed
to Chairman Kim Jong-un what I asked him to raise and also what I explained to the President in advance
with regard to the abduction issue, and I certainly appreciate that.
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (in Japanese)
PRIME MINISTER ABE: (Via interpreter) So today I look forward to having your feedback
as well as takeaways on the current status of the negotiation between the United States and North Korea,
and also we would like to stand firmly together for the settlement of the outstanding issues of concern
through the robust coordination as well as collaboration between Japan and the United States.
SECRETARY POMPEO: Prime Minister Abe, first of all, thank you for taking time to meet with me.
President Trump asked me to convey his warmest regards and his deep appreciation
for his personal relationship with you and the partnership between our two countries.
[Interpreted into Japanese.]
SECRETARY POMPEO: I look forward to our discussion about my visit to North Korea.
We raised a full range of issues with them with respect to their nuclear program,
to the abductee issue – all of the issues that I know matter to the United States, Japan,
and indeed to the world.
[Interpreted into Japanese.]
SECRETARY POMPEO: Mr. Prime Minister, you personally and Japan have been great partners of
the United States. The foreign minister has been a great partner to me, and we’re deeply appreciative for that,
and there is much work for us to do together, and I’m honored to be with you here today
to discuss how we can do that together.
[Interpreted into Japanese.]
[camera shutters] VOICE: (in Japanese)
VOICE: Thank you. Thank you press.