Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first Meeting amongst Main Ministers on the TPP at the Diet Building.

Discussion took place on the system related to the TPP negotiations and other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"A week has passed since I made the decision to participate in the TPP negotiations. While there is support from a broad range of people, I have also received many opinions expressing strong concerns and anxiety.
I am determined to participate in the negotiations by keeping such various opinions securely in my mind.
The announcement of the intention to take part in the negotiations is a mere starting line. From now on, the negotiations with our national interests at stake will start.
Japan holds the world's third largest economic power and its presence is considerably large.
We would like to pursue the best result to suit our national interests, by using such power to the fullest extent and with the entire government participating in the negotiations with firm resolve.
In order for Japan to carry forward tough negotiations on the TPP, it is necessary to gather and share information securely, and to create a strong system to take part in the negotiations as the government as a whole.
At the same time, we are determined to securely provide information to the people according to the progress of the situation.
Therefore, today we held this first Meeting amongst Main Ministers on the TPP, and it was decided that these issues are to be discussed closely within the main Cabinet members within the government.
I would like to ask the Cabinet members to make every effort together with me."