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 and development 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,

"In Okinawa there are still many facilities and zones for exclusive use by the US Forces, with a heavy burden imposed on the people of Okinawa.
On the other hand, Okinawa has a tremendously favorable position and vast potential given its position as a gateway to Asia, a region of growth, among other reasons. In the Basic Policies, we are comprehensively and actively advancing the promotion and development of Okinawa as a national strategy.
Each minister gave an explanation today - the Government has been undertaking extensive efforts for initiatives toward the reduction of burdens associated with US military bases and the promotion and development of Okinawa.
Just now I received various requests from Governor Hirokazu Nakaima on the reduction of burdens on Okinawa associated with US military bases, the FY2014 budget, and other matters.
I will take these requests seriously, and work to fulfill them to the greatest extent possible while closely coordinating with Okinawa Prefecture.
I request that each minister continue to listen to the comments of the Governor and exert effort on these issues."