Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has recommended President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the president’s role in easing tensions between North and South Korea.

Trump told the media at the White House on Friday that Abe had given him “the most beautiful copy” of a five-page nomination letter while complaining that the previous president, Barack Obama, was awarded the Nobel Prize.

“They gave it to Obama. He didn’t even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, ‘Oh, what did I get it for?’ ” Trump said on Friday. “With me, I probably will never get it.”

He explained that the Japanese recommendation comes out of gratitude.

“You know why? Because he had rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan,” Trump said. “Now, all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that.”

He went on to claim that the Obama administration “couldn’t have done it”.

The story was reported in the Japanese newspaper Asahi on Sunday.

A spokesman for Japan’s Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said the ministry was aware of Trump’s remarks, but “would refrain from commenting on the interaction between the two leaders.” The White House had no comment when contacted by Reuters.

There are currently reported to be 304 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019 out of whom 219 are individuals and 85 are organizations.

Source: Israel in the News