Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meeting of the Okinawa Policy Council held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on the promotion of Okinawa, and the reduction of burdens on Okinawa associated with US military bases, and other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"Upon holding the first meeting of the Okinawa Policy Council as this Cabinet, with the attendance of Governor Nakaima, I would like to give a word.
As I mentioned when I visited Okinawa in February, Okinawa has a strong potential, and is an area that can become a driving force for the revitalization of the Japanese economy.
Regarding investment in Okinawa, we are considering steadily carrying forward the promotion of Okinawa in a continuous manner, with a vision of investment for the future.
On the other hand, in Okinawa there are still many facilities for exclusive use by the US Forces, with a heavy burden imposed on the people of Okinawa.
The government is determined to make every effort in reducing the burden of Okinawa, while maintaining deterrent capabilities.
It is scheduled that a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of Japan's restoration of sovereignty and return into the international community will be held on April 28. Upon holding the ceremony, I believe that we must never forget the troubled history of Okinawa, Amami and Ogasawara, which for a certain period following the war were not under the administration of Japan.
We should think of our predecessors who had to endure and live through such hardships, and renew our resolve to carve out our own future for the entire nation, including Okinawa.
The Abe Cabinet is determined to make earnest efforts in various issues in Okinawa, so that these issues are steadily moved forward one by one, by also closely hearing the opinions in Okinawa.
I would like to continuously ask for further efforts by the Cabinet members."