Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"By obtaining your cooperation, the supplementary budget passed last week. Although it was like we were treading on thin ice, since it was a mere one-vote majority, I have a feeling that this was a large change from the 'Diet that cannot decide' to the 'Diet that can decide,' despite of the divided Diet. Even though it was only a difference of one vote, it may have been a large step towards 'politics that can decide.' Now, we are determined to make every effort in its execution at the earliest possible date.
Regarding TPP, I have confirmed through the Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Obama the other day that the commitment to eliminate tariffs with no sanctuary is not a precondition. As for participation in the negotiations, we would like to decide under the responsibility of the government, by also hearing opinions from the leaders of the ruling parties. At any rate, the government and the ruling parties should unite their efforts in addressing this issue. I would like to ask for your cooperation in compiling opinions.
I believe that now we must finally focus on the growth strategy, which is the 'third prong.' Regarding the growth strategy, we will not wait until its compilation, but instead would like to shoot arrows one right after another, starting with the specific areas where results are seen.
March 11 next week will mark the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. We mourn those who lost their lives, and will continuously search for the people who still remain unaccounted for. In addition, we will continuously commit our full efforts into accelerating the reconstruction, while also hearing opinions from the ruling parties, so that the current state where many people are still being forced into a lifestyle fraught with inconveniences even after two years can be resolved at the earliest possible date.
Further, there is also the severe damage caused by the heavy snow from two days before. I pray for the repose of the souls of the people who lost their lives, and would like to offer my sympathy to the people suffering from the damage. The government will take every measure in responding to the situation, with a sense of urgency.
The interpellation session of the Diet will finally start this noon, followed by the Budget Committee. We would like to make progress by maintaining a sense of urgency. I would like to ask for continuous support from the ruling parties in the future."