Oval Office Chat: PM Shinzo Abe, President Park Geun-Hye and PM Haidar Al-Abadi

 

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to discuss the international response to North Korea’s nuclear test.  The two leaders condemned the test and agreed that North Korea’s actions constitute yet another violation of its obligations and commitments under international law, including several UN Security Council Resolutions.  President Obama reaffirmed the unshakeable U.S. commitment to the security of Japan, and the two leaders agreed to work together to forge a united and strong international response to North Korea’s latest reckless behavior.  Separately, the President congratulated Prime Minister Abe on the recent agreement between Japan and the ROK to resolve the longstanding “comfort women” issue, and commended two of our most important allies for having the courage and vision to forge a lasting settlement to this difficult issue. 

President Obama also spoke by phone today with President Park Geun-Hye of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to discuss the international response to North Korea’s nuclear test.  The two leaders condemned the test and agreed that North Korea’s actions constitute yet another violation of its obligations and commitments under international law, including several UN Security Council Resolutions.  President Obama reaffirmed the unshakeable U.S. commitment to the security of the ROK, and the two leaders agreed to work together to forge a united and strong international response to North Korea’s latest reckless behavior.  Separately, the President congratulated President Park on the recent agreement between the ROK and Japan to resolve the longstanding “comfort women” issue, and commended two of our most important allies for having the courage and vision to forge a lasting settlement to this difficult issue.

Earlier in the day, President Obama called Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi of Iraq to congratulate him on Iraqi forces’ recent successes in Ramadi and to underscore the United States’ enduring support for Iraq in its fight against ISIL.  President Obama praised the courage and tenacity of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in continuing operations to liberate Ramadi, noting that the United States and our counter-ISIL Coalition partners will continue to intensify support for the ISF in these efforts, in coordination with the Iraqi Government.  The President also praised Prime Minister Al-Abadi’s plans with Anbar Governor Rawi to stabilize Ramadi and create the conditions necessary for residents to return home. 

President Obama reiterated the U.S. commitment to work together with international partners to support Iraq’s efforts to stabilize and strengthen its economy. The President emphasized the need to take measures to improve the structural integrity of Mosul Dam and noted the United States’ continued support for efforts to ensure timely maintenance work.  

 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary