Abe, Trump Hold “Constructive Discussions” on Trade

September 24, 2018

New York- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Sunday he held "constructive discussions" on trade issues with U.S. President Donald Trump when they had dinner in New York the same day before bilateral ministerial trade talks slated for Monday.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain close cooperation to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea, Abe said.

After the one-on-one dinner was held at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe told reporters that he and Trump had a frank exchange of opinions not only on Japan-U.S. trade but also many other issues related to the United States.

Abe aimed to reaffirm his relationship of trust with Trump in an informal setting, with the president expected to make difficult demands for Japan over trade issues at a bilateral summit meeting scheduled for Wednesday, officials said.

Soon before the dinner, Trump suggested that he plans to seek efforts by Japan to reduce its trade surplus with the United States. "We have done much to help Japan, would like to see more of a reciprocal relationship," he said on Twitter. "It will all work out!"

On Monday, Japanese economic revitalization minister Toshimitsu Motegi and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will hold the second round of bilateral trade dialogue, known as "free, fair and reciprocal," or FFR, talks in New York.

On North Korean issues, Abe gave Trump a message from families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents decades ago expressing their hopes to be reunited with their loved ones at an early date.

Speaking to reporters, Abe reiterated his eagerness to hold a Japan-North Korea summit. "I myself will face North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. I'm determined not to let any chance slip away (to resolve the abduction issue)," he said.

According to Abe, the dinner was held at the president's home at Trump Tower, instead of a restaurant at the tower as initially scheduled. Before the dinner, the two leaders held a 30-minute meeting.

During his stay in New York, Abe will deliver a speech at a U.N. General Assembly session on Tuesday. He will also hold talks with some other national leaders. Jiji Press