Article snippet: North Korea has abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens since the 1970s and 80s, including a 13-year-old girl kidnapped in 1977 on her way home from school, Japanese embassy spokesman Takehiro Shimada said. While the U.S. does not have formal diplomatic ties with North Korea, and Trump has publicly ruled out direct talks over its nuclear program, the administration has been quietly engaging with the regime through diplomatic back-channels. Trump's comments on the abductee issue signaled a possible step Kim Jong Un could take toward negotiations. "If [Kim Jong Un] could send them back, that would be the start of something I think would be something very special if they would do that," Trump said. The president and first lady terrorism. “The president's cabinet is looking at this as part of the overall strategy on North Korea,” national security adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters last week. Japan has asked for help from the United States in pressing for the return of the abductees, Shimada said, and family members of the victims have traveled to Washington to share their stories. After a recent meeting at the White House, aides later told the president of the families’ experiences. He “was very interested and moved,” one senior administration official said. The meeting in Tokyo was requested by President Trump, administration officials said. "I renew my determination to do my utmost to realize a day when those family members can hold their daught... Link to the full article to read more