Obama, Japan PM Abe discuss North Korea nuclear test

President Obama called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday to discuss North Korea’s recent nuclear test and reaffirm the U.S. security relationship with Tokyo.

Obama and Abe “pledged to work closely together to seek significant action at the United Nations Security Council and to cooperate on measures aimed at impeding North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs,” according to a White House readout of the call.

“President Obama reaffirmed that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to Japan, including the extended deterrence offered by the U.S. nuclear umbrella,” the White House added.

Obama’s call follows North Korea’s third nuclear test, which was conducted Tuesday. The president was quick to slam the action, calling it a “highly provocative act.”

Obama said North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program was “a threat to U.S. national security and to international peace and security,” and called for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang.

The test brought Obama criticism from GOP lawmakers who accused him of failing to take a hard line against North Korea.

The White House has said it will work in concert with the U.N. and allies to pass meaningful sanctions, but Republicans have questioned the ability of those efforts to constrain North Korea.

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