US Ambassador Stands With Japan On Abduction Issue

U.S. Ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, top left, meets with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, far right, and the families of abduction victims by North Korea Thurs

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed America's unwavering support for Japan in the quest to bring back Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago. Japan believes that at least 17 of its citizens were taken by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, with 12 still missing. These abductees, including teenagers and coastal residents, were forcibly taken to North Korea, causing immense pain and separation for their families.

During her visit to Japan, Thomas-Greenfield met with families of the abducted individuals, acknowledging the deep suffering they have endured over the years. She reiterated the U.S. commitment to raising the abduction issue at every opportunity and advocating for the return of the Japanese citizens to their families, irrespective of the leadership in place.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been resolute in his efforts to hold a summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un to secure the release of the abductees. However, challenges remain as North Korea's preconditions for resolving the abduction issue are difficult for Japan to accept.

12 Japanese citizens still missing from 1970s and 1980s abductions.

Japan seeks return of abducted citizens from North Korea.

Thomas-Greenfield meets families of abducted individuals in Japan.

U.S. committed to advocating for return of Japanese abductees.

Challenges persist in Japan-North Korea dialogue on abductions issue.

Sakie Yokota's plea for daughter's return highlights families' suffering.

Efforts to monitor North Korea's nuclear program ongoing in Seoul.

Security cooperation between U.S., South Korea, and Japan strengthened.

Joint military exercises and deterrence strategies expanded in response to regional tensions.

Divisions among Security Council members over U.N. sanctions on North Korea.

One poignant story shared was that of Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted at the age of 13 in 1977. Despite years of searching, the family only discovered the truth about Megumi's abduction after two decades. Yokota, now 88, expressed her fervent desire to see her daughter again and pleaded for continued support in resolving the abduction problem.

Thomas-Greenfield's visit to Tokyo followed discussions in Seoul about monitoring North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Efforts to strengthen U.N. sanctions on North Korea have faced opposition from Russia and China, highlighting divisions among Security Council members amid Russia's conflict with Ukraine.

The United States, South Korea, and Japan have been enhancing their security cooperation in response to escalating tensions from North Korea and China. Joint military exercises and deterrence strategies involving U.S. strategic assets have been expanded to address the security challenges in the region.