Comment to Reporters at ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference

DEPUTY SECRETARY NEGROPONTE: First of all, I'm not going to take any questions, because I have a press conference later this afternoon.

But I just want to say that I had a meeting with the chief advisor of the Prime Minister and also the advisor for abduction issues. We had a very good discussion about the bilateral relationship in all its dimensions -- security, the economic relationship, climate change, and now finally the issue of abductions, where I was able to reassure your government of the strong support of the United States for the Government of Japan's position on the question of abductees in regards to Korea.

But I won't take any questions now. I will have a press conference later this afternoon. Just to say, I think we've had excellent meetings, characteristic of the very strong alliance relationship that exists between our two countries.

Thank you.