Abe, Putin to support US-N.Korea summit

NHK -- May 28

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on their support for the success of a possible summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

During their meeting in Moscow on Saturday, Abe and Putin also agreed on sending a study mission to 4 islands that Russia controls for joint economic activities this summer.

The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says they were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Abe explained Japan's consistent position on finding comprehensive solutions based on the 2002 Pyongyang Declaration to resolve North Korea's nuclear and missile issues and the abductions of Japanese nationals.

He also told Putin that Japan seeks to settle the unfortunate events of the past and pursue the normalization of diplomatic ties with the North.

Putin showed his understanding and the 2 leaders confirmed the basic principle of promoting North Korea's denuclearization.

They concurred on their support for the success of the US-North Korean summit.