Shinzo Abe Praises Trump for ‘Remarkable Leadership’ on N. Korea: ‘Historical Turning Point’

President Trump's forthcoming direct talks with North Korea's Kim Jong Un is a "historical turning point," the Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, said today.

Abe praised Trump's "remarkable" leadership on North Korea and thanked him for his commitment to Japan. 

The prime minister, speaking Wednesday at Mar-a-Lago, recalled that when met with Trump last year, North Korea defiantly fired ballistic missiles. 

"It’s absolutely intolerable," Abe said. "Immediately after, President Trump stepped forward in front of the camera, though it was not planned, and made one comment: 'The U.S. is with our ally Japan 100 percent.' The president sent out a message of powerful commitment to the world." 

"Donald, your words on that occasion are still deeply etched in my mind," he added. "Together, with my wonderful memory of my stay here in Mar-a-Lago, with one single comment, you demonstrated that  strong Japan-U.S. alliance, which has a history of longer than half a century."

On North Korea, Abe offered his "deepest respect."

"I want again to express my deepest respect for your remarkable leadership," Abe told Trump. "Due to the decisive decision by President Trump on the first ever U.S.-North Korea summit, it is a historical turning point."