Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended a meeting of the Okinawa Policy Council held at the Diet building.

During the meeting attended by all Cabinet members and Mr. Hirokazu Nakaima, Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, an explanation was provided from the Government's side on the bill to amend the Act on Special Measures for the Promotion and Development of Okinawa and the bill to amend the Act on Special Measures Incidental to Reversion of Lands in Okinawa Prefecture Offered for Use by United States Forces in Japan. Discussion then took place on requests from the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, among other matters.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "The next fiscal year will be an extremely important year with regards to making a new start with Okinawa's promotion and development, following the expiration of the deadline of the existing Act on Special Measures for the Promotion and Development of Okinawa. The requests received from the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture were taken heed of as much as possible in drafting the new bills for the promotion and development of Okinawa as well as for the use of the bases vacated by the U.S. Forces, which will likely be approved by the Cabinet tomorrow.
The way I see it, Okinawa is a major frontier for Japan, with much potential as a gateway to Asia and the Pacific. Okinawa's promotion and development are a vital issue of our Cabinet.
Going forward, I would like the Government to continue to work as one to ensure the true self-sustainability of Okinawa's economy and Okinawa's sustainable development, while respecting its independence and fully listening to the opinions of the community members."