Regarding the abduction issue by North Korea, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi met with members of the governor's association seeking to rescue the victims, stating that the abduction issue is an ongoing problem in which victims are still being deprived of their freedom, and that he hopes to resolve the abduction issue. He emphasized the idea that the government should work together to achieve this goal.
On the afternoon of the 15th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi, who is in charge of the abduction issue, met with Governor Hanazumi of Niigata Prefecture and members of the ``Governors' Association to Rescue Victims Abducted by North Korea'' at the Prime Minister's Office.
Governor Hanazumi called for further diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation, to hold talks to rescue the victims as soon as possible, and to not normalize diplomatic relations or provide economic support until the abduction issue is resolved. I handed over a request form requesting such things.
In response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, ``The abduction issue is not a historical incident, but an ongoing issue in which victims are still being deprived of their freedom and unable to return home. I would like to work on this."
Afterwards, Governor Hanazumi told reporters, ``I hope that all efforts will be made to realize Japan-North Korea talks in order to realize the return of all the abductees as soon as possible.''