Agencies, Moscow

US President Donald Trump said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday that the United States would work with Tokyo to bring home Japanese nationals who were abducted decades ago by North Korean agents.

On Saturday, Trump began his four-day state visit to Japan.
“The United States also remains committed to the issue of abductions, which I know is a top priority for Prime Minister Abe.

Earlier today I met, for the second time, with a group of Japanese families, who have suffered the unthinkable heartbreak of having their loved ones abducted by North Korea. The United States will continue to support Japan’s efforts to bring these abductees home,” Trump said at a joint press conference with Abe.
During the press conference, Abe said, on his part, that he was ready to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to find solution to the issue of kidnappings.

Japan maintains that North Korea abducted 17 of its citizens in the 1970s and 1980s to teach Japanese language and behavior at North Korean spy schools. In 2002, Pyongyang admitted its agents had abducted 13 Japanese, denying involvement in any other disappearances.

Five of the kidnapped Japanese citizens were repatriated in the same year. with North Korea saying eight others died. However, Japan suspects North Korea has been involved in many more disappearances.