Japan PM Abe nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize on US request: Asahi

A spokesman for Japan's Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said the ministry was aware of US President Donald Trump's remarks, but "would refrain from commenting on the interaction between the two leaders". PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize last autumn after receiving a request from the United States government to do so, the Asahi newspaper reported on Sunday (Feb 17).

The report follows Mr Trump's claim on Friday that Mr Abe had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for opening talks and easing tensions with North Korea.

The Japanese leader had given him "the most beautiful copy" of a five-page nomination letter, Mr Trump said at a White House news conference.

The US government had sounded Mr Abe out over the Noble Peace Prize nomination after Mr Trump's summit in June last year with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the first meeting between a North Korean leader and a sitting US president, the Asahi said, citing an unnamed Japanese government source.

A spokesman for Japan's Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said the ministry was aware of Mr Trump's remarks, but "would refrain from commenting on the interaction between the two leaders".

The White House had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

The Nobel Foundation's website says a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize may be submitted by any person who meets the nomination criteria, which includes current heads of states.

Under the foundation's rules, names and other information about unsuccessful nominations cannot be disclosed for 50 years.

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