Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has indicated he is ready to start high-level talks to secure the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago.

Kishida spoke on Saturday at an event organized by relatives of the abductees.

Kishida said it was extremely regrettable that none of the abductees have returned to Japan since 2002.

He said their families are elderly and the abductions are a humanitarian issue with a time constraint, adding that there is no time to waste.

He pledged his all-out efforts to realize the return of all the abductees as soon as possible.

Kishida explained that he asked the leaders from the Group of Seven countries at the latest summit in Hiroshima for their understanding and cooperation so the issue can be resolved immediately.

He said the G7 leaders expressed their full support. He pointed to the necessity for Japan to act proactively, while appealing to the international community.

Kishida reiterated his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions.

He said the longer the current situation continues, the more difficult it could become to establish fruitful relations between Japan and North Korea.

The prime minister said he will not miss any chance to convey his determination to the North, from the viewpoint of resolving the pending issue and opening a new era together.

Kishida said he wants to start high-level talks under his direct control to hold a summit with North Korea at an early date.

The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for.