Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting of the Verification Committee on the Terrorist Incident against the Japanese Nationals in Algeria at the Prime Minister's Office.

In his address, the Prime Minister said,

"Upon holding this meeting, I would like to once again express my heartfelt condolences to the ten victims of the terrorist incident in Algeria on behalf of the government.
At the same time, we resolutely condemn the terrorist act incited by the group of terrorists.
It is utterly a matter of great regret that Japanese nationals, who were working at the forefront of the world for the region and for Japan, became the victims of terrorism.
It is essential for the growth, development and international cooperation of Japan that Japanese nationals and companies are able to implement activities safely abroad.
Also in order not to waste these noble sacrifices, the government must unite its efforts to utilize lessons learned from this incident, so that Japanese nationals and companies can implement activities abroad without worries.
I expect this Verification Committee to specifically verify the incident, and by also hearing opinions from external experts, to consider measures to be taken under normal conditions as one item, and measures to be taken once any crisis occurs in order to protect Japanese nationals living in the region as another item, to prepare for a state of emergency such as an incident of terrorism or rioting.
I ask you to put efforts promptly into this urgent issue under the Chief Cabinet Secretary, by uniting the efforts of the government."