U.S. President Donald Trump pledged Monday to support Japan's effort to repatriate citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s as he met with a group of the abductees' kin in Tokyo.

Monday marked the second time for Trump to sit down with family members of the abductees. The families have "suffered the unthinkable heartbreak of having their loved ones abducted by North Korea," Trump told a joint news conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the State Guesthouse at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo.

"The United States also remains committed to the issue of abductions, which I know is a top priority for Prime Minister Abe," Trump said, adding that his country "will continue to support Japan's effort" to bring its citizens home.