Abe, Kerry reaffirm US-Japan alliance on North Korea

Japans’ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry in Tokyo on Monday, as North Korea continues its belligerent remarks.At the beginning of the one-hour talks on Monday, Abe said Kerry’s message placing importance on the Asia-Pacific region will encourage Japan and other Asian nations, according to Japan’s (NHK WORLD) website.Kerry said that, in his meeting with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida the previous day, he was able to reaffirm the strength of the US-Japan partnership.He called the meeting important in confirming the two nations’ solidarity in dealing with issues on the Korean Peninsula, cyber defense and climate change.Kerry also said he is pleased by the success of bilateral consultations on Japan’s planned participation in talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.Abe and Kerry are believed to have agreed to work closely to urge North Korea to halt its provocative acts and exercise restraint.Kerry is in Japan for the first time since taking office, and came here after visiting South Korea and China.