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On November 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“Last week, the FY2018 supplementary budget, which aims at promoting recovery and reconstruction from the recent series of disasters, was passed unanimously in the Diet. I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s hard work. Even now, many people remain facing great difficulties in the areas affected by the disasters. We will strongly support the recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas at the earliest possible date by implementing various policies immediately which were included in the supplementary budget, such as rebuilding people’s lives and their ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people’s daily lives), and repairing public facilities and agricultural land. Also, regarding the installation of air-conditioning units in elementary and junior high schools across Japan to protect our children, we will exert every effort to make it in time for next summer, while promoting the improvement of concrete walls swiftly.
 
In addition, to respond to the serious labor shortage, discussions are set to begin from today for a bill to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to create a new category of residence status to accept foreign personnel who can be immediately effective in the workplace. The Government intends to pass the bill by providing a thorough and detailed explanation in order to gain the understanding of the people. I would like to ask for your continued efforts.
 
Furthermore, I also ask for the deliberations of important bills and treaties to proceed during the current Diet session. The Government will work thoroughly on these deliberations to pass them with a sense of urgency for the remaining period of the session. I would like to ask for the cooperation of the members of the ruling party.
 
Circumstances permitting, from November 14 to 18, I plan to visit Singapore, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
 
In Singapore, I will attend Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings, including the East Asia Summit (EAS). I would like to further strengthen the Japan-ASEAN relations as this year marks the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, as well as coordinate with participating countries to address the North Korean issue and to realize the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and a communicate strong message to the world.
 
In Darwin, Australia, I plan to hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Morrison for the first time. I hope to have a frank discussion with Prime Minister Morrison, regarding Japan-Australia cooperation in a wide range of fields including politics, economics, and security so as to build a relationship of trust on a personal level.
 
In Papua New Guinea, I will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. I intend to lead the discussions to drive free trade and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific Region as a standard bearer for free trade.
 
While the fundamentals of the Japanese economy are sound as seen from the steady improvements in employment and the income situation, there are several points we need to carefully monitor such as the trends of the global economy. The Abe Cabinet remains steadfast in placing the economy as our utmost priority. After this, we are to get the budget formulation process for the next fiscal year in full swing. We will make thorough efforts so as to sustain the trend of economic recovery while closely watching the economic situation in Japan and overseas. I would like to implement the various policies we promised the public, keep managing the administration with a sense of vigilance and work together between the Government and ruling parties Therefore, I would like to ask for the cooperation of the members of the ruling parties.”