Abe Vows to Push Foreign Policy Agenda

January 2, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday he will push his foreign policy agenda this year, including resolving a territorial dispute with Russia and North Korea's abductions of Japanese citizens and promoting relations with China.

In his New Year's statement, Abe said he is confronting major challenges on the diplomatic front this year.

He said he will aggressively pursue resolutions to foreign policy issues Japan has been grappling with since the end of World War II.

Referring to Emperor Akihito's abdication set for April 30 and Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement the following day, Abe said the country will make a turning point in history.

Abe said he will lead efforts to make 2019 a year to take the country forward to the future beyond the Heisei era.

The current Japanese era of Heisei, which began when Emperor Akihito took the throne in 1989, is set to end when he abdicates. The new era will begin on May 1.

Abe also said he is determined to do his best to perform his duties using his past experiences and the people's trust as sources of power. Jiji Press