Japan–North Korea Pyongyang Declaration

The aim of the declaration was to provide low-interest long term loans to North Korea as well as economic assistance, including humanitarian aid, in accordance with the moratorium of nuclear missile development which has been in place since 1999.

Japan believed there were approximately thirteen Japanese citizens abducted by Kim Jong Il's government.

[10] In January 2006, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il announced the indefinite suspension of all missile testing and nuclear programs.

[11] However, in July 2006, North Korea launched long-range missiles, leading to the United Nations and affiliates passing a worldwide resolution ordering the state to dismantle their nuclear program.

Following the July launch, in October representatives from North Korea announced their nuclear testing had been successful, leading the United Nations to impose further sanctions including suspension of economic aid from the American government.

In February, North Korea shut down its largest nuclear power station in exchange for an aid package from the United Nations valued at over $400 million USD.

There was another announcement of a secondary nuclear test by the North Korean government with an approximate earthquake magnitude of 4.5 in Kilju County.

[17] Later, American President Barack Obama declared that North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community.The sanctions previously set by the United Nations were imposed with further additions following an emergency meeting.

[18] Diplomatic relations and meetings with incentives with the United States, Russia, Japan and China led to a moratorium by North Korea on all nuclear programming for further aid including food.

[29] This motion was deemed an olive branch by Japan to North Korea for the sake of establishing an agreement regarding remaining abductees.