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On December 22, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the 59th Press Photo Exhibition 2018 being held in Tokyo.
 
After viewing the photographs, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “This year, we saw many incidents happen, including a series of disasters. On the other hand, we had opportunities to see young power succeeding on the world stage in the likes of athletes such as Mr. Hanyu, Mr. Ohtani and Ms. Naomi Osaka.
 
Turning our eyes to politics, there was a historic U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, and also a Japan-Russia Summit Meeting that signaled a turning point to accelerate the negotiation of a peace treaty. I believe this year marked a major turning point. As I just wrote my signature over there, I secured a new three-year term as President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) in the Presidential Election of the Party.
 
Next year, I would like this turning point to steer a positive direction for Japan and the world. Next year, most significantly, we will see the historic succession to the Imperial throne, as well as the G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy. I would like next year to be one which paves the way for the future of Japan. Thank you very much.”