Trump, Abe agree to keep sanctions on N. Korea during a golf outing

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had discussions on the trade of the two countries and denuclearization of North Korea during a summit on Friday. The two leaders boasted their close relationship by showing up to a dinner with the first ladies and playing a round of golf together. However, there were different views expressed by each party on sensitive economic issues, such as tariffs.

“Great day with Prime Minister @AbeShinzo of Japan. We played a quick round of golf by the beautiful Potomac River while talking Trade and many other subjects,” President Trump tweeted with a picture of Prime Minister Abe and himself giving a thumbs up in golf outfits on Saturday. Prime Minister Abe also wrote on his Twitter account that he had long discussions with his U.S. counterpart on various topics from actions against North Korean issues, economy, and G20 Osaka summit to the global political landscape during the 10 hours they spend together.

According to The Associated Press and Kyodo News, the two leaders have agreed on close cooperation to keep sanctions on Pyongyang until the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

On the economic issue, however, President Trump called for more cars to be produced in the U.S. by Japanese automakers and raised issues on Japanese tariffs, according to participants of the summit.


lightee@donga.com