New Delhi, Dec 28 (IANS) Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Wednesday sought India’s support and understanding on the emotive issue of North Korea abducting Japanese nationals.
‘I requested the understanding and support of the Indian side on the abduction issue,’ Noda said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.
Japan says its 17 nationals were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. The issue remains unresolved, with the last talks held between Tokyo and Pyongyang in 2008.
North Korea’s nuclear programme and the situation in the reclusive country after the death of its leader Kim Jong-il figured in discussions between the two leaders.
Noda also sought China’s support in the abductions case when he met Chinese leaders before he flew to New Delhi for the annual summit.
India’s ties with North Korea are lukewarm at best, but lately relations have improved after New Delhi provided substantial food assistance to Pyongyang early this year when it was reeling under a famine.
The Japanese government Tuesday decided to set up seven panels to boost its efforts to address the issue of abductions.
