Obama, Japan PM Abe pledge close cooperation over responses to North Korea nuclear test

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) and US President Barack Obama at the APEC Summit in Manila on Nov 19, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and United States President Barack Obama spoke by telephone about the international response to North Korea's nuclear test, the White House said on Thursday (Jan 7).

The two leaders promised close cooperation over their responses to the nuclear test, Kyodo said.

Mr Obama also reaffirmed the US commitment to Japan's security and the two leaders "agreed to work together to forge a united and strong international response to North Korea's latest reckless behavior", the White House said in a statement.

"Separately, the President congratulated Prime Minister Abe on the recent agreement between Japan and the ROK (South Korea) to resolve the longstanding 'comfort women' issue," the statement said.

North Korea said on Wednesday it had successfully conducted the nuclear test, drawing threats of further sanctions even though the United States and weapons experts voiced doubts the device was as advanced as the isolated nation claimed.

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