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The Diplomat
08-08-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Will the Last Surviving Parent of a Japanese Abductee Get Closure?
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, North Korea systematically abducted foreign citizens to train them as spies, indoctrinating them with North Korean language, culture, ideology, to support covert operations abroad. Nearly five decades after North Korea began abducting foreign citizens – including Japanese nationals – only one parent of a known abductee remains alive. Yokota Sakie, 89, waits, with diminishing hope, as bilateral talks have stalled since 2014 and more immediate current events command the attention of elected leaders. The abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea is one of the last Cold War legacies for Japan. The late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who made the issue a special focus, called it 'unparalleled act of state criminality, as well as a grave violation of the sovereignty of [a nation] and the lives of its people. We absolutely cannot condone it.' The lingering trauma of the abductions has become intertwined with Japan's complicated relations with the Korean Peninsula. Today, as the Indo-Pacific enters another phase of transitions in political leadership and policy reprioritization, and as time runs out for the last living parent of an abductee, the United States, Japan, and South Korea must revisit their commitment to ensuring the return of those who have been abducted by North Korea. Otherwise the opportunity for firsthand justice may disappear forever. The Japanese government officially recognizes 17 of its citizens as abductees, while Pyongyang admitted to only 13 when it finally confirmed the abduction program in 2002. Of those, the North Korean government returned five to Japan, claiming the rest had died – including Megumi, Yokota Sakie's daughter, who was abducted in 1977 at age 13. The claims about the deaths remain unverifiable and widely disputed. Despite sustained efforts by Tokyo to secure credible updates, bilateral engagement has stalled for over a decade, largely due to Pyongyang's refusal to provide further information or accept responsibility. The abduction issue has long been treated as a bilateral concern between Japan and North Korea. But amid shifting geopolitics, it now warrants a broader regional response. North Korea continues to rely on China for both trade and diplomatic shielding – especially at the U.N. Security Council. Meanwhile, Pyongyang has strengthened its alignment with Russia by supplying arms and labor in violation of U.N. sanctions. In 2024, North Korea and Russia signed a 'Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' that included a promise of mutual military assistance in the event of a war. These partnerships blunt traditional pressure tools, embolden Pyongyang's defiance, and highlight the urgency of coordinated action by Japan, South Korea, and the United States – not only on denuclearization, but also on longstanding human rights violations like the abductions. Against this backdrop, trilateral coordination has advanced significantly. At the 2023 Camp David Summit, leaders pledged to uphold a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' and announced practical commitments: joint missile-warning collaboration, regular military exercises, and institutionalized annual trilateral summits. This framework presents an opportunity to embed the abduction issue in a new era of Indo-Pacific diplomacy. To make meaningful progress, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea should elevate the abduction issue through sustained leadership engagement and targeted public diplomacy. Leaders must raise the issue consistently at bilateral and trilateral summits – as President Donald Trump did during his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un – and reinforce it at global platforms including the G-7, G-20, and U.N. General Assembly. Crucially, policymakers must also brief and involve legislators across all three countries to ensure long-term political will and oversight. A trilateral public awareness campaign can amplify this effort. While Japanese civil society has long mobilized around the abductions, awareness remains limited in South Korea and the United States. Yet South Korea's own experience – tens of thousands of Koreans were abducted during and after the Korean War – and the presence of Korean American and Japanese American communities in the U.S. offer natural bridges. Coordinated efforts across embassies, NGOs, and diaspora groups – leveraging digital media, cultural storytelling, and exchanges – can build momentum and connect abduction-impacted communities across the Indo-Pacific. Importantly, the abductions must be disentangled from the nuclear non-proliferation agenda. For decades, the U.S.-led diplomatic track with North Korea has prioritized denuclearization, sidelining humanitarian concerns. This linkage has allowed Pyongyang to stall on basic accountability while continuing nuclear brinkmanship. Elevating the abduction issue as a standalone humanitarian priority, distinct from strategic negotiations, will signal that basic human rights are not negotiable, and that security cannot come at the expense of justice. With new leadership in Seoul and a potential transition in Tokyo, political conditions are favorable for a coordinated, principal approach. As Washington weighs reengagement with Pyongyang, the Japan-South Korea-U.S. trilateral must speak with one voice: unresolved human rights abuses are not a peripheral issue – they are a core test of North Korea's willingness to engage in good faith. Embedding this message at multilateral summits such as the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), ASEAN meeting, and the U.N. Human Rights Council will reframe the abductions as not just a Japanese grievance, but a regional concern tied to global norms of civilian protection and state accountability. By reframing the abductions as a trilateral priority, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea can reinforce the moral foundation of their alliance, restore momentum to a long-stalled issue, and reaffirm a shared Indo-Pacific vision grounded in rule of law and democratic values. Some argue that the abduction issue is too difficult to resolve, or that it's too late to do so. But silence carries a strategic cost. Ignoring North Korea's state-sponsored abductions set a precedent that vulnerable civilians can be disappeared, denied justice, and ultimately forgotten. The Indo-Pacific cannot be secure if basic human rights are treated as expendable bargaining chips. Each year that passes brings us closer to a time when no direct family members remain to speak for the abductees. This moment, with trilateral cooperation at a high point and regional diplomacy in flux, might be the last chance to ensure justice is part of the conversation.
Memri
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov In North Korea: 'This Is A True Brotherhood In Arms'
On July 12, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Wonsan, DPRK, with North Korean (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un and with DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui,[1] for the second round of the Russia-DPRK strategic dialogue.[2] During a reception, while describing the Russia-DPRK relationship, Lavrov stated: "This is a true brotherhood in arms." During a press conference, Lavrov also stressed that Russia and the DPRK are "long-standing neighbors and reliable partners."[3] (Source: July 12, 2024)[4] Following are Lavrov's remarks at the reception in Wonsan, on July 12, 2025, as reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry:[5] "A Landmark Of Our Relations Is The Close Joint Work In The Context Of The Special Military Operation" "We are sincerely grateful to our Korean partners for the warm welcome, cordiality, and excellent organization of the second round of our strategic dialogue, launched on the initiative of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un. "In the past few years, our leaders have fully unlocked the immense potential that has always existed in the relations between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A defining moment in this historic partnership came in 2024, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang, when the milestone Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed. While officially titled a strategic partnership, in essence, this treaty enshrines a genuine alliance. "The principles set forth in the treaty by President Putin and Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong-un are being actively and consistently implemented across all areas. This includes dynamic efforts through the Russian-Korean Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and the steady expansion of cultural, humanitarian, and educational exchanges. The teaching of Russian is growing in the DPRK, just as Korean instruction continues to expand in Russia. "A landmark of our relations is the close joint work in the context of the special military operation conducted by the Russian Federation to resolve the Ukrainе crisis, which the West fomented over many years. "This is a true brotherhood in arms. Our leaders have agreed to perpetuate the memory of the heroes of this joint struggle for justice. Here in the DPRK, a monument has been erected to honor the Korean People's Army soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops to liberate the Kursk Region." "Russia And The DPRK Honor The Allied Commitments Enshrined In The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty" "Similarly, a new monument in Moscow's Patriot Park will commemorate our shared victory over Japanese militarism in World War II. The joint feats of our soldiers in 1945 continue to inspire today's officers and soldiers, who now stand shoulder to shoulder in the Kursk Region. This continuity between generations will be a powerful moral compass guiding young people in both countries, encouraging them to carry on the traditions of courage and solidarity. "Russia and the DPRK honor the allied commitments enshrined in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. This will remain unchanged. "I would like to highlight the global significance of our joint efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. It is essential to restore the rights of people who were subjected to oppression following the coup in Kiev in February 2014 and the rise of the neo-Nazi regime. But this is also a fight for truth over falsehood, for a future, in which our vast and beautiful continent of Eurasia cannot be subordinated to NATO's ambitions. "I believe that – hopefully in the not-too-distant future – the international community will recognize this historic contribution in defense of international law, above all the core principle of sovereign equality and the right of peoples to determine their own destiny. "Both we and our Korean friends want evil to recede and take practical steps in this direction. We want peace and prosperity prevail for all nations, where interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states becomes unthinkable, and where remarkable places like Wonsan can fully realize their potential as centers of tourism, joy, and opportunity for Korean visitors, and, I hope, Russian tourists too. "Today's talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Son-hui, held as part of the second round of the Russian-Korean strategic dialogue, as well as my long, candid, and confidential conversation with Chairman of State Affairs Kim Jong-un, mark an important milestone in advancing our alliance and implementing the decisions made by our leaders. "I would like to propose a toast to the health and well-being of comrades Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, to the continued success of my esteemed colleague, DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, and to the realization of the cherished hopes and dreams of all those gathered here. "As Comrade Choe Son-hui said, we are living through trying times. But I am confident that history will judge fairly, and we will be found on the right side of it."
Arab Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
DPRK's top leader meets Russian culture minister
PYONGYANG/MOSCOW, June 30, (Xinhua): Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met with visiting Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova on Sunday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Monday. Kim said exchanges and cooperation in all fields are expanding and developing day by day, as the two countries mark the first anniversary of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is substantially contributing to co-prosperity, development and the well-being of the two countries and two peoples, Kim noted. "It is necessary to further expand the exchanges and cooperation in the field of culture and art to know well about each other's excellent cultural traditions and learn more," he added. Kim and Lyubimova exchanged views on prospective plans for cultural exchanges and cooperation, the KCNA reported. Lyubimova announced on her Telegram channel Sunday that Russia and the DPRK have signed a cultural cooperation plan for 2025-2027. The plan includes a series of cultural initiatives such as exhibitions, performances and exchange programs to be held in both Moscow and Pyongyang over the next three years. "I am confident that today's signing of the interdepartmental cooperation program will contribute to the successful implementation of already planned and promising events," Lyubimova said. During her visit, Lyubimova also met with DPRK Culture Minister Sung Jong Gyu.
See - Sada Elbalad
30-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
N. Korean Leader Meets Russian Minister of Culture and Enjoys Art Performances
Nada Mustafa The peoples of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation are significantly commemorating as a common auspicious event the historic DPRK-Russia Pyongyang summit, which put the traditional relations of the two countries on the most excellent level, and the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, who is visiting the DPRK on the occasion of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the new treaty between the DPRK and Russia, leading a delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, at the headquarters building of the Party Central Committee on June 29. Present there was Aleksandr Matsegora, Russian ambassador to the DPRK. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un warmly welcomed the visit to Pyongyang by the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and had a warm and friendly talk. At the talk, the head of the delegation expressed her sincere greetings to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un for paying deep attention to the visit to Pyongyang by the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, though he is very busy with state affairs. Appreciating that extensive and profound exchange and cooperation in all fields are further expanding and developing day by day after the conclusion of the new treaty between the DPRK and Russia, Kim Jong Un said that this is substantially contributing to the co-prosperity, development and the promotion of the wellbeing of the two countries and two peoples. Kim Jong Un stressed that all fields of state and social life are important but the exchange in the field of culture and art in particular plays a great role in strengthening the foundation of the public mindset of the two countries and firmly consolidating the ties of friendship, comradeship, mutual understanding and sympathy between the peoples. Kim Jong Un said that from this point of view, it is important for the cultural sector to guide the relations between the two countries. To this end, it is necessary to further expand the exchange and cooperation in the field of culture and art to know well about each other's excellent cultural traditions and learn more, he added. Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova expressed her impression of visiting beautiful Pyongyang at a time when the solidity and invincibility of the DPRK-Russia friendship and solidarity have been more clearly proved and the cooperation between the two countries in the cultural field reached the highest level in history and of meeting with the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un and conducting significant art and cultural events together with friends of the fraternal neighbors. Saying that the current Pyongyang visit by the minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, personally leading the art troupes in significant June, is an important occasion for the DPRK people to have deeper understanding of the excellent culture of the Russian people, Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the current visit would further raise the militant comradeship and feelings of friendship between the two countries. During the talk, he exchanged views on the prospective plans for cultural exchange and cooperation. The conversation proceeded in a warm atmosphere of friendship from beginning to end. Guided by Olga Lyubimova, minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Kim Jong Un looked round the photos of grand monuments, famous edifices and beautiful landscape of Russia and scenes of its major cities displayed at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. That day he, together with the minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, enjoyed a performance given by the Russian artistes on a visit to Pyongyang and a return performance given by DPRK artistes. Among the audience were senior Party and government officials, officials concerned, and officials, creators and artistes in the field of culture and art. The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and staff members of the Russian embassy here appreciated the performances. The Russian artistes put on the stage colorful numbers reflecting the Russian people's ardent love for their country and their just, strong and optimistic national character. Russian famous songs and folk dances reflecting the peculiar traditional culture, customs and long history left a deep impression on the audience. The Korean folk song "Arirang" and other songs of the DPRK were played to the beautiful and elegant tunes to please the audience. Kim Jong Un had a floral basket presented to the Russian artistes, who sang the daily-blooming DPRK-Russia friendship with their peculiar and passionate performance, to congratulate them. Then DPRK artistes gave a return performance, through which they sang the high praises of the noble thoughts and feelings and patriotism of the peoples of the two countries who are confidently carving out the future while overcoming all challenges of history. The performance was enthusiastically acclaimed by the audience as it added to the strong desire and stamina to build a prosperous and powerful state without fail, and to the confidence that the militant ties of friendship and the genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries that were forged at the cost of blood and are shining in the annals of the DPRK-Russia friendship will last forever along with the history of victory. The performances fully demonstrated the appearances of the two art troupes as popular ones by truthfully showing the fraternal friendship and friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries with rich artistic ability and elegant representation. The audience was deeply moved by the performances. Kim Jong Un waved a farewell at the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and asked Olga Lyubimova, minister of Culture, to convey his warm wishes to the esteemed Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, and all the Russian people. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
18-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Secretary of Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu
Yara Sameh Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met Comrade Sergei Shoigu who visited the DPRK again, leading a delegation of the Security Council of the Russian Federation upon special authorization of Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on June 17. Kim gladly greeted Comrade Sergei Shoigu who visited Pyongyang at a significant time marking the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation and had a warm talk with him. Shoigu courteously conveyed the verbal letter of Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, to the respected Comrade. Kim expressed his deep thanks for it and conveyed his comradely greetings to the esteemed Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The talk appreciated again the important meaning of the conclusion of the treaty on comprehensive strategic relationship between the DPRK and Russia and discussed the items of immediate cooperation and long-term plans arising in implementing the important matters agreed by the heads of states of the two countries through the exchanges of personal letters for several weeks. It also discussed and approved some ideas and plans for conveying long the heroic feats displayed by soldiers of units of the Korean People's Army in the operations for liberating the Kursk area. Proceeding from a correct understanding of the current situation in the special military operations and Kursk Region, Kim confirmed the contents of the DPRK's cooperation within the range of the treaty between the two countries, accepted the relevant plans and discussed in detail the necessary cooperation plans. The talk widely exchanged the views and opinions of the leaderships of the two countries on the issues of mutual concern including the complicated international and regional situation and reached a consensus of view. Kim expressed again the steadfast option and will of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to invariably and unconditionally support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international justice against the imperialist moves of hegemony and to honestly implement the articles of the treaty between the DPRK and Russia in the future, too. He conveyed the noble respect and fraternal greetings of the Korean people to the esteemed Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and all the Russian people on the occasion of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the treaty on the comprehensive strategic relations between the DPRK and Russia, hoping that greater victory, prosperity and happiness will be always in store in the future of the powerful Russia. The talks consistently proceeded in a congenial atmosphere of friendship and trust. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
