Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her willingness to engage in a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to address the longstanding issue of abductees and to secure a peaceful future for both nations. Takaichi's comments came during a meeting with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, shared through a post on the US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Takaichi declared her readiness for the summit, emphasizing a vision for peace and prosperity shared by Japan and North Korea. This statement comes after Takaichi's significant electoral victory in the snap elections held earlier this month. The meeting in Tokyo followed a change in stance by the families of abductees, who agreed to soften their previous uncompromising position towards Pyongyang, contingent on the Japanese government's success in repatriating all abductees.

During a joint gathering in Tokyo, organizations representing the relatives of abducted individuals and their supporters agreed not to oppose Japan's potential humanitarian assistance to North Korea, the lifting of unilateral sanctions, or the commencement of diplomatic normalization talks with Pyongyang. These steps are part of efforts to ensure the complete return of the victims.

Both the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea and the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea resolved to cease requesting information from returned abductees, except for updates concerning other victims. Takuya Yokota, the younger brother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted in 1977, urged the Takaichi administration to expedite negotiations with Pyongyang despite the growing resentment towards North Korea.

In a press conference, Takuya Yokota acknowledged the painful decision made by the groups, expressing hope that the dialogue phase, initiated years ago, would lead to a resolution. Prime Minister Takaichi assured that she would employ all possible means to achieve a breakthrough with North Korea, aiming for tangible outcomes.

Officially, Japan lists 17 individuals as having been abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. While five were repatriated in 2002 after landmark talks in Pyongyang, no significant progress has been reported since. Japan and North Korea currently lack diplomatic relations, with Pyongyang asserting that the abduction issue has been resolved.