Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan

President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan today to reinforce our ironclad commitment to Japan's defense following the DPRK's long-range ballistic missile launch over Japan on October 3. The leaders jointly condemned the DPRK's missile test in the strongest terms, recognizing the launch as a danger to the Japanese people, destabilizing to the region, and a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. They confirmed they would continue to closely coordinate their immediate and longer-term response bilaterally, trilaterally with the Republic of Korea, and with the international community. The leaders discussed the importance of immediate return and resolution of the cases of Japanese citizens abducted by the DPRK and resolved to continue every effort to limit the DPRK's ability to support its unlawful ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.