Asia PR News

TOKYO, Sept. 30/Kyodo JBN - AsiaNet/–

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a general policy speech in a plenary
session of the Diet on September 29, 2006.

Prime Minister Abe stated in his speech, "I will conduct governance on
behalf of the entire people - the ordinary people who live by the sweat of
their brows, love their families, wish to improve their own communities and
hometowns, and who want to believe in the future of Japan. I promise to make a
total commitment to governance that allows everyone to take part, that opens up
a new era, and that is aimed at building a society open to everyone and giving
each individual a chance to take on challenges."

Prime Minister Abe concluded his speech to say, "I hope that all the people
of Japan who want to challenge together in this new nation building will take
part. It is the responsibility of politics to ensure an environment in which
anybody can participate regardless of age, gender, or disability. Together with
the hardened generation born before and during the war, and the young people
who are eager to contribute to the people and the country, I will put all my
body and soul in leading the challenge to create "a beautiful country, Japan,"
a country admired and respected by people in the world, a country our
children’s generation can have self-confidence and pride in."

The outline of the speech is as follows:

(Introduction)

(Constructing an Open Economy Full of Vitality)

-Creation of innovation that contributes to growth
-Promoting the Asia Gateway Vision
-Promoting comprehensive "Challenge Again Assistance Measures"

(Resolute implementation of Fiscal Consolidation and Administrative Reform)

-The integral reform of expenditure and revenue
-A simple yet efficient lean government

(Realizing a Healthy and Safe Society)
-Constructing a sustainable Japanese-style social security system
-A child-raising friendly society

(Rebuilding Education)
-The early enactment of the bill concerning the Fundamental Law of Education.
-Establishment of an Education Rebuilding Council

(Shift to Proactive Diplomacy)
-Demonstration of the "Japan-U.S. Alliance for Asia and the World"
-Promoting diplomacy that will actively contribute to stalwart solidarity in
Asia
-Reorganizing and strengthening the headquarters function of the Prime
Minister’s Office
-Enhancement of intelligence gathering functions
-A framework that ensures constant communication between the Prime Minister’s
Office and the White House
-Strengthening bonds of trust with important neighboring countries such as
China (People’s Republic of China), South Korea (Republic of Korea) and
Russia
-Advancing comprehensive measures concerning the abduction issue
-Promoting cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
-Engagement in strategic dialogues at the leader’s level with countries that
share fundamental values such as Australia and India
-Assistance of the reconstruction of Iraq
-Prevention and elimination of terrorism and international organized crime

(Conclusion)

Source: Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Japan
For further information:
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html

Contact:
Cabinet Public Relations Office,
Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Japan
Fax: +81-3-3592-0179