Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the meeting of the Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Those attending the meeting on the national government side were: Mr. Katsuya Okada, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Government Revitalization and Minister for Total Reform of Social Security and Tax; Mr. Osamu Fujimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary; Mr. Tatsuo Kawabata, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister of State for Promotion of Local Sovereignty; Mr. Jun Azumi, Minister of Finance; Mr. Motohisa Furukawa, Minister for National Policy; and Ms. Yoko Komiyama, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. On the regional government side were representatives of six regional organizations. Discussion took place on reflection of regional opinions into the reform of the social security system, measures on regional economy and employment, and the guidelines for the promotion of local sovereignty.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "I would like to place continued importance on consultation with the representatives of regional governments on national policies that have influence on local autonomy for this fiscal year as well.
Today, I would like you here to discuss three themes.
First, regarding the reform of the social security system, bills related to the comprehensive reform of social security and taxation systems passed the other day. We would like to steadily push forward the reform by also obtaining opinions from the regional government side.
As for the measures on regional economy and employment, we will actively promote measures in the future as well. I would definitely like to hear opinions in line with the actual regional conditions.
Further, regarding the guidelines for the promotion of local sovereignty, I would like to hear opinions from regions upon starting the specific preparation work.
I expect that today's consultation will be productive, hearing many opinions from you."