[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from a delegation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Shalom (hello). I welcome the delegation of AIPAC representatives to Japan. I have heard that this is the first overseas visit your organization has made on such a large scale. It is a great honor that you chose to visit Japan.

I have heard that all of you are working to support Israel on a daily basis. Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Japan last year, and this year, I visited Israel. I confirmed with the Prime Minister that we would develop bilateral relations in every field. At the same time, I also had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the history of Israel.

My visit to Yad Vashem  during that trip is still fresh in my memory. Looking at the Eternal Flame  burning in Yad Vashem, and turning my thoughts to the struggles of the Jewish people, I renewed my resolve that we must never allow the Holocaust to happen again.

During my visit to the United States in April, I visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,  where I met with people whose lives were saved by the visas issued to them by Chiune Sugihara in Lithuania. The courageous actions of this one man saved thousands of precious lives. Filled with thoughts of peace, I observed a moment of silence together with the Sugihara survivors for the souls of those who were lost.

I believe that both tragedy and virtuous courage must not fade from our memories, and that it is vital that Japan make positive contributions for peace and stability in the world. The recently enacted Legislation for Peace and Security was a step forward toward that. It has further strengthened the bonds of trust between Japan and the United States and further enhanced the deterrent capabilities of the Japan-US Alliance. I believe that in telling the world that we are strengthening the Japan-US Alliance, we have further enhanced our ability to prevent conflicts before they occur, in other words, our deterrent capabilities, and further reduced the possibility that a conflict will occur.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and the end of World War II. Japan will maintain the path it has taken since the end of World War II as a peace-loving nation. We are resolved to join hands with the United States for continued efforts toward a world without war or discrimination, a world that protects human rights.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt welcome to all of you. Welcome to Japan.”