Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first National Security Secretariat Advisory Board at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“As you are all aware, the diplomatic and security environment surrounding Japan has changed significantly in recent years. To respond to such changes, we are currently moving forward with discussions relating to Japan’s national security legislation, including the right of collective self-defense.

Furthermore, to resolutely protect the lifestyles and livelihoods of the people under any circumstances, the National Security Council was established as a control tower for holding discussions on the various diplomatic and security issues from a strategic perspective, and for making swift and flexible responses through the exercise of strong political leadership.   

The National Security Secretariat will provide constant support as the secretariat for the National Security Council. Furthermore, the National Security Secretariat will also plan national security policy while representing my will, and I appointed Mr. Shotaro Yachi as the very first Secretary General.

When formulating important policies the National Security Secretariat will seek and utilize the expertise of the private sector, which will be crucial in further enhancing Japan’s security policies. In light of this, as experts who have achieved impressive results through your in-depth knowledge in your respective fields, I feel that your appointment as advisors to the National Security Secretariat is both deeply meaningful and highly reassuring. It is my hope that advisory meetings will involve open and frank discussions, and will provide valuable advice from a broad perspective in a wide range of fields.

Schedule permitting, I would also like to participate in the discussions, and to listen to and learn from your opinions. I would like to ask for your kind cooperation in this matter.”