Abe "Deeply Concerned About Middle East Situation... Dispatching Self-Defense Forces to Ensure Safety of Japanese Ships Navigating"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Amid rising tensions of military conflict between the United States and Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed concern on the 6th and stated that the Maritime Self-Defense Force's dispatch to the Middle East will be maintained as planned.

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Prime Minister Abe made these remarks during a New Year's press conference held locally after paying respects at Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture in the afternoon. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, he said, "The level of tension is increasing, and I am deeply concerned about this phenomenon," adding, "We must avoid a new escalation of the situation, and I hope all parties involved will make every diplomatic effort."

Abe also spoke about the Maritime Self-Defense Force's dispatch to the Middle East, stating, "Our country (Japan) depends on this region for most of its energy resources, and alongside diplomatic efforts, we will strengthen our intelligence-gathering system by dispatching the Self-Defense Forces to this region to ensure the safe navigation of Japanese-related vessels."

He also mentioned the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Japan last month, emphasizing, "We will continue to steadily pursue Japan's unique diplomacy to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in this region."

Regarding constitutional revision, Prime Minister Abe said, "The Liberal Democratic Party will take the lead in raising national discussions, and we will steadily proceed step by step with the process of constitutional revision," adding, "My resolve to accomplish constitutional revision with my own hands remains unwavering." He further stated, "I want to accelerate the enactment of the revised referendum law as well as the original draft of the constitutional revision through active discussions that transcend party lines in the regular Diet session."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.