Washington: President Donald Trump on Sunday assured America’s full support to Japan after North Korea test fired a ballistic missile in an apparent act of provocation.
“I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 per cent,” Trump said in a brief statement during a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
He however did not elaborate on the issue.
His comments came after Abe denounced the North Korea’s missile launch – the first after Trump became the President – at a hastily organised joint briefing at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. “North Korea’s most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable,” Abe told reporters.
“North Korea must fully comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.” The joint news conference lasted for less than three minutes. The two leaders were talking to reporters after spending the day at a golf course and discussing US-Asia engagement.
“During the summit meeting that I had with President Trump, he assured me that the US will always [be with] Japan 100 per cent, and to demonstrate his determination as well as commitment, he is here with me at this joint press conference,” said Abe, who spoke via a translator.
Earlier, Trump told reporters that he and Abe had a great time together. They arrived at Mar-a-Lago Friday evening.
It described the retreat as “both relaxing and productive.” “They had great conversations on a wide range of subjects, and the President looks forward to further discussions with the Prime Minister…,” it added. (PTI)
