[Provisional translation]
“Good afternoon, everyone, and happy birthday to Secretary-General Suzuki.
Last week, the budget for FY2026 was passed. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those involved for their dedicated efforts.
While it is regrettable that the budget could not be passed within the last fiscal year, we believe we have been able to minimize, to the greatest extent possible, the risk of disruption to people’s daily lives.
Deliberations on important bills will continue in the Diet. I sincerely request the continued dedication and cooperation of all members of the ruling parties.
Furthermore, in response to the current situation in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices, we implemented emergency measures to mitigate sharp price increases in gasoline, diesel, heavy oil, and kerosene, in order to protect people’s daily lives and economic activity.
The Government is also working to secure a stable supply of fuel and other critical materials. For each category of goods, such as naphtha-derived chemical products, we will promptly implement measures.
In particular, with regard to medical care, we established a task force at the end of last month headed by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and have been advancing our response that covers the entire supply chain.
We will continue to make every effort to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people.
Last week, I held summit telephone calls with President Mohamed of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and President Pezeshkian of Iran. Including today, I will work earnestly to continue to hold telephone talks with various leaders.
What matters most now is de-escalation of the situation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue to proactively strive at all levels to secure the safety of all vessels that remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, including Japanese-affiliated ships, so I ask for your continued cooperation.
In particular, you have all been very active in parliamentary diplomacy. I believe that you have many connections within the parties, and ask for your continued cooperation. That is all from me.”