Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with Mr. Hirokazu Nakaima, Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, and Mr. Atsushi Sakima, Mayor of Ginowan City, at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the immense efforts of Governor Nakaima and Mayor Sakima on various problems related to the defense facilities including the Futenma Base.
The government will take the requests I have just received from Okinawa Prefecture and Ginowan City seriously.
As for the operation of the MV-22 Osprey, although safety must be ensured above all, I believe it is also a basic precondition to give the utmost consideration to the lives of the people living in the region.
Although there are various requests on safety measures made in the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee, the government is willing to securely follow up so that these measures are securely observed, as you have pointed out.
In addition, I am determined to further reinforce our efforts regarding the early relocation and return of Futenma Base, reduction of the burden in connection with the issues surrounding US military bases, and the promotion and development of Okinawa. I am also willing to fully engage in the effort of sharing the burden throughout Japan by promoting the relocation of training sites, and evaluation thereof.
At any rate, the government will continuously listen carefully to the voices of the people of Okinawa, while also making detailed explanations.
I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and understanding."