The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, assured Japan of America's commitment to stand by them until all Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea are reunited with their families. During a meeting in Tokyo with families of those kidnapped, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of resolving the painful separation these families have endured for decades due to North Korea's actions.
Japan has long been seeking the return of at least 17 citizens believed to have been kidnapped by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, allegedly for training as agents. While North Korea admitted to abducting 13 Japanese citizens in 2002, only five were allowed to return home for a short visit, with the rest remaining in Japan. The unresolved issue includes the fate of those said to have died, those who North Korea denies entering its territory, and those who are still missing, including teenagers taken from Japan's coasts by small boats to North Korea. The pain and longing felt by the families of the abductees were acknowledged by Thomas-Greenfield, who expressed her understanding and sympathy for their enduring suffering.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the Biden administration's unwavering support in pressing for the return of abducted Japanese citizens, irrespective of the leadership in the United States. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his determination to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to address the abduction issue. Despite challenges such as preconditions set by Pyongyang, Japan is seeking a resolution to this longstanding issue. Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted in 1977, pleaded with the ambassador for continued support in resolving the abduction problem, expressing her desire to reunite with her daughter before it's too late.