Abe asks Trump to ensure safety of US aircraft in Okinawa

February 3, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday asked US President Donald Trump to ensure that strict measures are taken for safe operations of US military aircraft in Okinawa Prefecture.

Abe made the request in an hour-long telephone conversation with Trump, following a series of accidents and problems involving US aircraft, including helicopters, in the southernmost prefecture.

Trump replied that he will have relevant officials discuss the matter.

Abe explained that he will visit South Korea to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang on Feb. 9 and hold a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The prime minister also told Trump that he will convey Japan's position on the 2015 agreement with South Korea to end the issue of Korean comfort women forced into prostitution for Japanese soldiers during World War II.

Moon has criticized the deal and requested a fresh apology from Japan.

US Vice President Mike Pence will also visit South Korea to attend the Olympic ceremony and meet with Moon.

Abe and Trump agreed that their countries will use the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of close cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea in dealing with North Korea.

The two leaders also confirmed that it is necessary to strictly implement sanctions against North Korea included in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

They also agreed to work together to prevent North Korea from evading any of the sanctions.

Abe praised Trump's reference to the need for maximum pressure on North Korea in his State of Union speech delivered on Tuesday.

Japan "will maximize the pressure without being blinded by North Korea's 'charm offensive,'" Abe told Trump. The US leader agreed.

The phone talks preceded a three-day visit to Japan by Pence from Tuesday. Abe and Pence are set to hold a meeting the following day. Jiji Press