Abe vows meeting with DPRK leader

Japanese PM says Tokyo will normalize diplomatic relations with Pyongyang

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to meet with Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and restore ties with the neighbor in a major policy speech on Monday, a move that analysts say contrasts sharply from the hardline approach he used to adopt toward Pyongyang.

"I will act resolutely, never failing to seize every opportunity to break the shell of mutual distrust, and I myself will directly face Chairman Kim Jong-un to resolve DPRK's nuclear and missile issues, as well as the abductions issue," Abe said in a speech that marks the opening of Japan's parliament.