Abe, Trump agree to maximize pressure on North Korea

November 6, 2017

TOKYO- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting US President Donald Trump agreed Monday to boost efforts to put maximum pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear and missile development.

"The two of us were able to show the rest of the world the unshakeable Japan-US alliance," Abe said at a joint press conference held after their 90-minute talks at the State Guest House in Tokyo, also known as the Akasaka Palace.

"We completely agreed" that, in order to make North Korea change policy, Japan and the United States must take leadership and closely collaborate with the international community so that we can enhance the pressure on North Korea to maximum levels through all possible means, Abe said.

The Japanese government has decided to impose additional sanctions on its own against North Korea, the prime minister said.

He added that his government will formalize its decision on Tuesday to freeze the assets of 35 organizations and individuals linked to the reclusive state.

"The era of strategic patience is over," Trump said at the press conference. "The United States of America stands in solidarity with the people of Japan against the North Korean menace." Jiji Press