One example is the insecurity about what will happen to pension payments and other matters, toward the 21st century, given the current societal trend of a falling birth rate and a rapidly aging population. At the same time, Japan, as a nation, must be benevolent and act in a manner truly respected throughout the world. With this as a goal, I believe that we must build the initial foundations for this standing as we enter the 21st century. Turning to the current difficulties in Japan's economic situation, it is no exaggeration to say that for the Japan of today, as a nation with a significant economic influence, which differs greatly from the Japan of the past, as it is a nation whose economic situation has a considerable impact not only on its own country, but the entire Asian region as well as the international economy. In this sense, working to achieve a recovery in its economic situation and establishing a basis for stable economic growth is not only a duty owed to itself, but is an international responsibility.
Domestic policy is foreign policy, and foreign policy is domestic policy.
With this perspective, I am determined to fulfill Japan's economic duty. Meanwhile, in the area of foreign policy, it is vital to our existence that Japan be a country which is trusted throughout the world. As we have in the past, I believe that we must continue to further strengthen our alliance relationship with the United States. In the wake of the financial crisis which has affected Asia since last year, in spite of Japan's own extremely difficult fiscal situation, Japan provided cooperation to Asian countries, as one country in the region. From this perspective, I will work toward Japan fulfilling its responsibilities globally, including in Asia, as well as in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.