Kishida: “We will hold high-level discussions with Mr. Kim for a summit meeting.”
The Nippon Keizai Shimbun reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on the 5th that he would analyze the intention of the comforting telegram sent by North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un for the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Prime Minister Kishida revealed this at the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives (House of Representatives) on this day and said, “What we think about this message, an appropriate response is required.”
At the Budget Committee, former Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Katsunobu Kato pointed out that from the perspective of advancing North Korea-Japan negotiations to resolve the Japanese kidnapping issue, “It is necessary to respond appropriately without overlooking signs of developing situations.”
Prime Minister Kishida appealed, “As Prime Minister, I am prepared to work with my whole body and soul to ensure that all kidnapped victims return home as soon as possible.”
Regarding how the North Korea-Japan negotiations will proceed, he again expressed, “I will conduct high-level discussions under my direct control in order to realize a summit meeting with Mr. Kim.”
Previously, on the 5th of last month, North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Kishida regarding the earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Chairman Kim sent a consolation message to Prime Minister Kishida on the 5th, saying, “Unfortunately, I heard the news that Japan suffered a lot of casualties and material losses due to the earthquake from the beginning of the new year, and I would like to express my condolences to you and the bereaved families through you.” “We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims.”
He added, “I hope that the people in the affected areas will overcome the consequences of the earthquake as soon as possible and recover a stable life.”
In his telegram, Chairman Kim treated Prime Minister Kishida with an honorific title, calling him “Your Excellency.” It is reported that this is the first time that Chairman Kim sent a cable to Prime Minister Kishida.
In response, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed his gratitude to Chairman Kim, who unusually sent a consolation telegram, but did not separately reply to Chairman Kim’s telegram.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.