Tokyo, Feb 13 (UNI) Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is redoubling efforts to have talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but did not notify partners in the United States of it, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the developments.
A possible summit with Kim would allow Kishida to secure the release of the Japanese citizens who were kidnapped by North Korean special forces many years ago. Pyongyang has been rejecting requests related to the abductees so far, the newspaper reported, citing people close to the talks.
Washington, on its part, is likely to welcome high-level contacts between Tokyo and Pyongyang, provided that Japan holds consultations with South Korea in advance to prevent any confusion, the newspaper reported, citing an undisclosed US official.