[Provisional Translation]

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

During the meeting, there was discussion on the FY2016 supplementary budget.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, the FY2016 supplementary budget was compiled. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to members of the ruling parties for formulating the budget in a very short period of time.

Nearly one month has passed since the earthquakes struck the Kumamoto region. Progress is being made with restoring infrastructure in the affected areas, but many people still find themselves forced to live in evacuation centers.

We must implement rapid and detailed support measures for those affected by the earthquakes, including the securing of housing. We must press ahead and do everything that is possible for the restoration and reconstruction of the affected areas.

This supplementary budget will provide for even more agile responses to aid those in need.

We will make more than certain that necessary assistance is thoroughly provided to those in the affected areas who work at small- and medium-sized businesses, in the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, as well as in the tourism industry.

I would like the government and ruling parties give top priority to cooperating under the shared goal of quickly passing this supplementary budget so that those affected by this disaster can live with a sense of security and return to their normal lives. I ask for the continued cooperation of everyone in the ruling parties.”