On Monday, the United States reiterated its stance on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy with North Korea, following Pyongyang’s announcement that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed his interest in holding a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong-un, conveyed that Kishida had proposed the summit to personally meet with Kim at the earliest opportunity.
In response to these reports, a spokesperson from the State Department underscored the significance of engaging in dialogue and diplomatic efforts with North Korea. The spokesperson refrained from offering further comments and directed inquiries regarding diplomatic engagements between Japan and North Korea to the Japanese government.
Prime Minister Kishida has consistently expressed his willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un unconditionally. This stance has led to speculation that a potential summit could serve as an opportunity to address the longstanding issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.
However, Kim Yo-jong restated North Korea’s firm position on the abduction issue, asserting that the matter has reached a resolution and does not warrant further discussion. She cautioned against Japan interfering in North Korea’s sovereign affairs, suggesting that Kishida’s motives for seeking a summit could be perceived as driven by domestic political considerations rather than genuine diplomatic efforts.
The statement from Kim Yo-jong highlights the complexity of diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea and underscores the sensitivity surrounding the abduction issue. It also reflects North Korea’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty and control over bilateral discussions with other countries.