[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 15th Meeting amongst Main Ministers on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussions were held on preparations for the TPP Ministerial Meeting to be held in Atlanta.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“A TPP Ministerial Meeting will be held in Atlanta from September 30. Two years ago, I promised the public that ‘we will pursue the best path to suit our national interests,’ and based on this stance I decided that we would participate in the TPP negotiations. Since then, there have been numerous tough negotiations, with Japan’s national interests at stake.

Since the last Ministerial Meeting, each country has worked hard to bridge the divides between all of us. The end of the negotiations will be the hardest part. I hope to make this Ministerial Meeting the last Ministerial Meeting.

The TPP is a bold attempt to construct a free and fair ‘single economic zone’ in the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st century. It is central to the Abenomics growth strategy.

I believe that deepening economic relationships of mutual dependence with nations with whom we share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law will contribute to this region’s growth, prosperity, and stability.

I would like the entire negotiation team, including Minister Amari, to give their all to the negotiations, overcome any difficulties, and achieve results that realize our national interests to the maximum extent possible. I request the full support from all relevant ministers for this.”