(Provisional Translation)
Statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
at the Press Conference on the Occasion
of the Closing of the 151th Session of the Diet
June 29, 2001
Today brings a close to this ordinary session of the Diet. Since my appointment as Prime Minister on 26 April, the Koizumi Cabinet has been fortunate enough to receive tremendously warm and powerful support particularly from the coalition parties of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the New Komeito and the New Conservative Party. Thanks to this support, over 90% of the legislative bills were passed through the Diet, though it appeared difficult at first. Cooperative support from the ruling parties and close collaboration and cooperation from within the coalition government have enabled the Diet session to achieve positive results beyond my original expectations. In closing this Diet session, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the people of Japan for their sincere understanding and warm encouragement.
Furthermore, I would like to thank the Democratic Party of Japan and the other opposition parties for sharing their constructive opinions and views, advice and recommendations. Henceforth, I would like to remain mindful of what is most important for Japan and its people rather than paying undue attention to party differences, because without the understanding and cooperation of the Japanese people from every sector, the Cabinet will not be able to resolutely carry out the intended structural reforms. In this spirit, I would like to face the upcoming House of Councilors' election and subsequently create an environment where the steady implementation of the reform agenda is possible in light of the political situation after the election. To that end, I would like to engage in strenuous efforts to ensure that the incumbent coalition will gain, at least, more than half the seats in the House in the upcoming election on 29 July.
This evening, I will be leaving Japan for the United States of America, where I will hold my first summit meeting with President Bush. After this, I will visit the United Kingdom and France, where I will meet and have frank exchanges of views with Prime Minister Blair and President Chirac respectively. I would like to build relations of mutual trust with these leaders while recognizing and reaffirming the importance of the respective bilateral relationships. I will also exchange views frankly with the leaders of these three countries on international issues, thereby seeking a way in which Japan is able to make an appropriate contribution to the world and the international community. I would like to utilize these overseas visits as an excellent opportunity to enhance the confidence of the international community in Japan.
Although two months have passed since my appointment as Prime Minister, I still feel pressures and burdens of this Office every day. Having proceeded thus far with the utmost prudence, I will continue to spare no efforts to measure up to the expectations of the people of our nation, fully aware of the importance of my duty as Prime Minister of Japan.
Here I humbly ask for your support and cooperation.
Thank you.
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