Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has expressed his gratitude to the public, issuing a statement as his cabinet resigned on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his nearly eight years in office, he said he has made all-out efforts to address both domestic and diplomatic challenges during his term. He said some of the goals were achieved, while many others were unfortunately not.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has thanked all the members of the public and asked them to support his successor Suga Yoshihide.
Abe spoke to reporters when he entered the prime minister's office shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Japanese government plans to draw up a new policy on missile defense by the end of the year.
The government held a National Security Council meeting on Friday with Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide and Defense Minister Kono Taro in attendance.
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has stressed to US President Donald Trump that his successor will continue to bolster the Japan-US alliance. Abe made the comment in a phone call on Monday, Japan time, to explain his decision to resign.
Abe and Trump talked for about 30 minutes. The prime minister announced on Friday that he is leaving office for health reasons.
A White House spokesperson said in a statement that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo spoke at length and reflected on the last four years.
Judd Deere also said that the two leaders "remarked that their relationship is extraordinary; the President called Prime Minister Abe the greatest prime minister in Japan's history."
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and US President Donald Trump have discussed the Japanese leader's decision to resign, and are believed to have confirmed their close cooperation will continue.
Abe and Trump talked for about 30 minutes a little after 10 a.m., Japan time, on Monday. Abe announced on Friday that he is leaving office for health reasons.
Several politicians have signaled their intention to seek the premiership since Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announced he would resign for health reasons, while some in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's hope to see Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide succeed Abe.
LDP's Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio, former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru and former internal affairs minister Noda Seiko have shown strong interest in becoming the next leader.
One day after Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's surprise announcement of his resignation for health reasons, the battle to succeed him has already begun, with several candidates signaling their intentions to contest the premiership.
LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio says, "My commitment to continue working to become the next leader remains unchanged."
US President Donald Trump has paid respect to Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo after he announced his intention to resign.
Trump told reporters on Friday aboard the Air Force One presidential aircraft that he had a great relationship with Abe, calling him a "great friend."
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is making arrangements to hold telephone talks with US President Donald Trump on Monday.
The prime minister announced his intention on Friday to step down due to a relapse of his illness. He suggested he will continue to carry out his duties until the next prime minister is in place.
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has formally announced his intention to resign due to a relapse of an inflammatory bowel disease.
At a news conference on Friday, Abe said that a regular checkup in June showed signs of a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, and that he began feeling physically worn down as his condition worsened around mid-July. He said doctors confirmed a relapse in early August.
The chairman of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, says he is surprised and sorry Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is stepping down.
In a statement, Nakanishi Hiroaki says Japan faces important issues such as handling the coronavirus pandemic and reviewing its energy policy.
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has formally announced his intention to resign due to a relapse of an inflammatory bowel disease.
At a news conference on Friday, Abe said that a regular checkup in June showed signs of a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, and that he began feeling physically worn down as his condition worsened around mid-July. He said doctors confirmed a relapse in early August.
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo intends to step down to deal with a health problem. Abe has told his ruling Liberal Democratic Party officials of his intention to resign.
LDP officials and Abe held an urgent meeting at party headquarters to discuss the prime minister's decision .