*From:* "Nakamura, David" <xxx@washpost.com>

*Date:* April 17, 2018 at 4:33:55 PM EDT

*Subject:**Travel pool 9/more from restricted bilat*

The pool was led into the restricted bilateral meeting shortly before 4 p.m. Trump and Abe sat in chairs at the far end of the room, with their respective translators behind them. Five aides sat on each side. (An observation: Everyone in both delegations, including the translators, was male.) On the U.S. side were deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Chief of Staff John Kelly, Nat sec adviser John Bolton, US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty and NSC Asia director Matthew Pottinger.


Please check quotes against Transcript. In this feed, Trump praises Xi Jinping and agrees to bring up issue of Japanese abductees.

Trump opened the meeting by praising the Japanese aides, in matching black suits, as looking like they were direct from a movie. youre perfect.


Trump and Abe made several remarks apiece.

Our nations have never been closer than they are right now, Trump said.

Abe said their one-on-one meeting was productive. On North Korea, for the first time in the history of the world there will be a summit meeting between the United States and North Korea, Abe said. Abe said Trump has applied maximum pressure on the North and credited it for leading to the direct talks.


Donald, you demonstrated your unwavering determination in addressing the challenge of North Korea, Abe said, thanking Potus for his leadership.

My hope is that there will be tangible progress for resolving the outstanding issues of concern, Abe said, mentioning missiles, nukes and the abductees, which he called Japans top priority.


Trump reiterated his belief the North Korea problem should have been dealt with years ago.

We dont really have a choice. It must be taken care of one way or another, Trump said. He said hes looking forward to meeting Kim Jong Un. They do respect us. We are respectful of them We will bring up the abductees Its a time for talking, its a time for solving problems.


Trump said US relations with South Korea is very good and he mentioned the renegotiation of the bilateral trade deal.

Trump said: The war has never ended. If we can do something even before the meeting, the big planned meeting, that would be fine. But were dealing very closely with South Korea.


We have not picked a site yet, but weve picked five sites where its potentially going to be. Well let you know very soon.

Trump: Theres a great chance to solve a world problem. This is not a problem for the United States. This is not a problem for Japan or any other country. This is a problem for the world.


Trump: Weve also started talking with North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels, with North Korea. I really believe theres a lot of good will. Well see what happens, as I always say. Because ultimately its the end result that counts.

Trump also talked about China, thanking Xi Jinping: hes been incredibly generous. Theyve never been this way with the United Statess. They have more respect for us and our leadership. President Xi has been very strong on the [North Korean] border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be. Id like them to be stronger on the border, but hes been at a level nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially.


Abe, visibly delighted, concluded by thanking Trump, who met with some Japanese families of the abductees last November in Tokyo, for agreeing to b ring up the issue of the abductees: this reflects your deep understanding for how Japan cares about this abduction issues. I am very grateful for your commitment.

Pool was then ushered out.

(note: previous pool report noted Trump said 5 sites are under consideration for Kim summit but U.S. site is not among them.)


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David Nakamura

Washington Post Staff Writer

O. 202-xxx-xxxx

C. 202-xxx-xxxx

xxx@washpost.com

Twitter: @davidnakamura

Public Pool is an automated feed of White House press pool reports. For live updates, follow @WHPublicPool on Twitter.