(Deepening of the Japan-U.S. alliance)
The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy and national security and also a publicly shared asset fostering the stability and prosperity of not only the Asia-Pacific region but also the world. President Obama and I have already reached agreement on deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance particularly regarding the three basic pillars of security, economics, and exchanges of culture and human resources. Based on this, when I visit the United States at a timing currently scheduled for the first half of this year, I want us to set forth a vision for the Japan-U.S. alliance in the 21st century. Moreover, we will strengthen our cooperation with the United States that pulls world peace forward, such as our reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
(Reinforcing economic promotion and reducing the burden of U.S. military bases in Okinawa)
Okinawa is now full of the vitality of young people, and through the promotion of tourism and the concentration of the information and telecommunications industry, it has the greatest potential in Japan for growth. In addition to supporting the realization of this potential through the budget for the economic promotion of Okinawa, we must conduct all-out efforts to reduce the burden of U.S. military bases, which are heavily concentrated in Okinawa. Although approximately 40 years have passed since Okinawa's reversion to Japan, it is deeply regrettable that only in Okinawa does the lessening of this burden lag behind. During my visit to Okinawa at the end of last year I confirmed for myself the current situation there, thereby renewing my thoughts on this matter. We will steadily implement the plan for transferring U.S. Marines to Guam and move forward still further in the return of U.S. military facilities and areas and in the transfer of training to outside Okinawa prefecture. Regarding the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, in line with the Japan-U.S. agreement reached in May last year, I will explain the situation sincerely to the people of Okinawa to ask for their understanding while working towards the elimination at the nearest possible time of the associated risks, as a priority issue.
(Strengthening relations with the countries of Asia and the Pacific)
We will also make efforts to strengthen our relations with the countries of Asia and the Pacific. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, the launching point for China's modernization. Sun Yat-sen, who led the revolution, had many Japanese friends supporting him. With next year's 40th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Japan and China, it is important for us to once more look back on the long history of exchanges between our two countries and enhance the "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests" through cooperation across a broad range of fields. At the same time, Japan will urge China to play a constructive role as a responsible member of the international community. In our relations with the Republic of Korea, in accordance with last year's Prime Ministerial Statement, we will further strengthen our cooperative relationship including in the area of security while maintaining due respect for the viewpoints of the ROK, and we will build a future-oriented Japan-Republic of Korea relationship that looks squarely at the prospects of the next one hundred years. With Russia, we will expand our cooperation in the economic area, such as in the development of resources and modernization, as well as our cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region and the international community. We will at the same time tenaciously engage in negotiations adhering to the basic policy regarding Japan-Russia relations of concluding a peace treaty upon resolving the issue of the Northern Territories. We will deepen our relations with ASEAN, Australia, India, and others and develop an open network.
(Strengthening relations with the countries of Europe and Latin America)
We will continue to act in close cooperation with the countries of Europe, who are Japan's partners with whom we share fundamental values. We will also deepen our relations with emerging economies such as Brazil and Mexico, who have been increasing their presence in the international community, and other nations of Latin America and the Caribbean region, particularly in the economic area, including the development of resources.
