TOKYO -- One of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's closest aides is expected to discuss North Korea's past kidnappings of Japanese nationals and the relocation of an American air base in Okinawa when he visits Washington next month to meet with officials including Vice President Mike Pence.
"As the minister in charge of the abduction issue and reducing Okinawa's burden of hosting the base, I'm committed to performing my duties thoroughly," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference Thursday, announcing his May 9-12 trip to the U.S.
