Abe seeks support from Germany, others over N. Korea

September 6, 2017

TOKYO- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday called on Germany, Russia and India to cooperate for the adoption of a new UN Security Council resolution to impose tougher sanctions against North Korea.

In a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Abe called for a powerful sanctions resolution in the wake of North Korea's sixth nuclear test on Sunday.

The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to realize such a resolution and urge China and Russia to play more constructive roles in dealing with the crisis.

During the 20-minute conversation, Merkel said the nuclear test poses a threat to the entire world. She added that she will talk with European Union leaders to form a united front to address the situation.

Germany asked for the phone talks with Abe.

Prior to that, the Japanese leader met with visiting Russian national security council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, a close aide to President Vladimir Putin. Abe is believed to have asked for cooperation from Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Abe also had a meeting with visiting Indian Defense Minister Arum Jaitley.

Denouncing the nuclear test as "totally unacceptable," Abe told Jaitley, "Whether we can stop North Korea's outrageous behavior depends on the international community's cooperation and solidarity."

Jaitley expressed deep concern about the situation surrounding North Korea, noting that the spread of terrorism and missile technology is a concern shared by Japan and India.

The Indian minister also met with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera.

Onodera expressed his appreciation of India stopping trade with North Korea, saying, "This kind of attitude does help contain North Korea's nuclear and missile threats." Jiji Press