by FNNEWS JP
Akie Abe, the wife of the late Shinzo Abe and president of the Foundation for Social Contribution, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring special lecture at the founding ceremony of the NKNGO Forum in Tokyo on 15th Nov. Sharing personal stories and reflections, she highlighted the ongoing challenges of resolving North Korea’s abduction issue and emphasized the critical role of international cooperation and the next generation in addressing human rights concerns in North Korea.
Drawing from her experiences alongside her husband, Shinzo Abe, who made the abduction issue a cornerstone of his political career, Akie Abe recounted the former prime minister’s relentless efforts to bring global attention to the plight of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. She reflected on his dedication, recalling how he consistently raised the issue during bilateral meetings with world leaders, emphasizing its importance as not just a Japanese problem but a matter of international concern.
A significant part of Abe’s lecture focused on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s interactions with the families of abduction victims during his visit to Japan. “President Trump ensured everyone felt respected by providing them seats and attentively listening to their stories,” she noted.
She shared a poignant anecdote about Keiko Arimoto’s father, who handed a letter to President Trump during their meeting. “President Trump instructed his aide to place the letter on his desk, assuring that he would personally read it,” she recalled. This act was followed by a handwritten reply from Trump, which brought comfort and hope to the family. Abe described this as a testament to Trump’s sincere interest in resolving the abduction issue.
Abe also painted a picture of Trump as a leader deeply committed to peace. Despite his strong rhetoric, she noted, “He avoided engaging in new conflicts throughout his presidency and genuinely sought peaceful solutions to global challenges.” Abe praised Trump’s efforts to foster dialogue with North Korea, while lamenting the lack of concrete progress on the abduction issue. “His sincerity in addressing the matter was evident, even if a resolution remains elusive,” she said.
Abe expressed her enthusiasm for the NKNGO Forum’s mission, commending its focus on educating younger generations about critical issues like abductions and human rights in North Korea. “It is vital that young people understand and engage with these challenges, as their involvement is key to achieving meaningful change,” she said. She lauded the forum’s founder, Wonsuh Song, for her leadership and vision, emphasizing the importance of a woman-led initiative in this area.
As president of the Foundation for Social Contribution, Abe reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that bridge gaps where governments and administrations cannot reach. She encouraged collaboration and learning, stating, “Through this forum, I hope to work together with all of you to bring about progress on these critical issues.”
Akie Abe’s lecture left a profound impact, shedding light on the human stories behind the abduction issue and calling for collective action to address the humanitarian challenges posed by North Korea. The NKNGO Forum’s establishment represents a significant step forward in fostering international collaboration and raising awareness for these pressing matters.
Financial News Japan
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