Society | Sep 10

Japan asks Qatar to accept less N.Korean workers

Sep 10 (NHK) - The Japanese foreign minister has asked ministers in Qatar to slash the number of North Korean nationals working in that Middle Eastern nation.

Taro Kono is currently on a tour of the Middle East. On Saturday he met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

Kono is concerned about the amount of money that is being sent home from Qatar by North Korean workers. The foreign currency is apparently being used to finance Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development programs.

Kono asked the Qatari ministers to cooperate and to put more pressure on North Korea. The ministers said they will consider the request.

Kono also mentioned the latest phone call between the leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It was the first conversation held between high-level officials since the two countries cut off diplomatic ties.

Kono said it is important to resolve the matter diplomatically. He also said that Japan is prepared to offer the countries support.

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