Address to Administrative Vice-Ministers and Others

Friday, January 21, 2011

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 1

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 1

  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 1
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 2
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 3

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 2

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 2

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 3

Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address to administrative vice-ministers and others 3

Prime Minister Naoto Kan assembled administrative vice-ministers of the Cabinet Office and ministries at the Prime Minister's Office and delivered an address.

The Prime Minister said, "One thing that I would like to speak to everyone about is coordination among ministries and agencies. Traditionally, coordination took place through administrative vice-ministers' meetings. Presently, matters requiring coordination are discussed through political channels at a ministerial or vice-ministerial level. It goes without saying, however, that in parallel with that, coordination is also required at each level of government, including among administrative vice-ministers, directors, and other relevant posts. I want those in each and every position to fulfill their role.
Another thing that I would like to talk about is relations with politicians, specifically, with the three political-level appointees. Frankly, I must admit that this has been a process of trial and error for each side. I want each organization to engage in thorough and straightforward discussion with its respective ministers and vice-ministers and reach agreements about which matters need to be decided upon solely at a political level and which require the involvement of administrative vice-ministers and other senior officials. I sincerely hope that everyone will maintain good and cooperative relations."

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The Prime Minister in action