Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).

With regard to his visit to Europe and attendance at the G20 Hamburg Summit, the Prime Minister said,

“Firstly, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is an important pillar of Abenomics. It also has great significance for promoting global free trade.

I am sure that Minister for Foreign Affairs Kishida is engaged in the negotiations in full force at this moment. We will press forward assertively in areas where we should, while protecting what must be protected, in order to reach an agreement on the EPA’s fundamental elements on this occasion.

Further, using the opportunity of the G20 Summit, I will advocate strongly to world leaders including President Trump, President Xi Jinping, President Putin, and President Moon Jae-in on the necessity for close cooperation among the international community to respond against North Korea, which has demonstrated an increasing threat with its launch of a missile yesterday.”

“Even a short period of stagnation is unacceptable in national politics. In the face of mounting issues both domestically and internationally, we will further focus our energies, reflect on what should be reflected on, and humbly advance politics, while also boldly carrying out the reforms that need to be made.

Reminding ourselves of our original intentions when my administration retook the reins of government, we will strive to regain the trust of the people by delivering results one by one, with an increased sense of urgency.”