Anchor: U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks at the White House on Friday to reinforce a long-established security treaty and bolster their economic relationship. North Korea's nuclear and missile threats were key issues during the meeting. 
Emilee Jennings reports.
 
Report: During talks held at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe placed top priority on the North Korean nuclear issue among other key topics.
 
The two leaders held a news conference after adopting a joint statement.
 
[Sound bite: U.S. President Donald Trump]
"We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many in the region, including freedom from navigation and of navigation, and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority."
 
[Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Japanese)]
"On North Korea, we strongly demand North Korea abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile program and not make any more provocations."
 
The joint statement said the United States is fully committed to defending its homeland, forces and allies through the full range of U.S. military capabilities.

The two sides also agreed to the rigorous implementation of UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea and affirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation with South Korea to deal with Pyongyang's nuclear threat. 

The president also said he wants both nations to “invest heavily” in security measures in the region to address North Korea’s nuclear belligerence and China’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea.
 
The two leaders also noted that a bilateral security treaty covered the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by China as Diaoyu Islands.
 
To ease concerns about the “American First” policy Trump said the US will seek a trading relationship with Japan "that is free, fair” and beneficial to both countries. 
Emilee Jennings, KBS WORLD Radio News.
 
 
 

[Photo : ]