Tag japanese prime minister shinzo abe speaks during a reuters newsmaker conversation in manhattan

Here is the transcript of the Reuters Newsmaker conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:

Moderator: Good morning, everyone. I'm delighted to welcome Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Reuters Newsmaker conversation today. Prime Minister Abe, thank you for joining us.

Shinzo Abe: Thank you for having me.

Moderator: Prime Minister, you've been in office for over five years now. What do you think has been your greatest achievement during your tenure?

Shinzo Abe: I think one of my greatest achievements has been to restore Japan's economy to a state of strong growth. We've been able to achieve a period of sustained economic growth, and our unemployment rate is at a historic low. We've also been able to increase our GDP growth rate to over 2% per annum.

Moderator: That's impressive. You've also been a strong advocate for free trade and globalization. How do you respond to critics who say that these policies benefit only large corporations and not ordinary citizens?

Shinzo Abe: I understand the concerns, but I believe that free trade and globalization are essential for Japan's economic growth and prosperity. We've seen significant benefits from these policies, including increased trade and investment, which have created jobs and opportunities for our citizens. Of course, we also recognize the need to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared more widely, and we're working to address issues such as income inequality and regional disparities.

Moderator: You've also been a strong supporter of the United States-Japan alliance. How do you see the relationship evolving in the coming years?

Shinzo Abe: The US-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of our foreign policy, and we're committed to strengthening it further. We're working closely together on a range of issues, including security, trade, and climate change. We're also cooperating on regional issues, such as North Korea's nuclear program and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Moderator: Turning to North Korea, what do you think is the most effective way to address the nuclear issue?

Shinzo Abe: We believe that a comprehensive and robust approach is necessary to address the North Korean nuclear issue. This includes diplomatic efforts, economic pressure, and military deterrence. We're working closely with the international community, including the United States, South Korea, and China, to achieve a peaceful resolution to this issue.

Moderator: You've also been a strong advocate for the importance of Japan's Constitution. How do you respond to critics who say that the Constitution is outdated and needs to be revised?

Shinzo Abe: I believe that Japan's Constitution is a sacred document that has served our country well for over 70 years. While it may need to be updated in certain areas, such as the interpretation of Article 9, we must be careful not to undermine the fundamental principles of our Constitution. We're working to strengthen our defense capabilities while also ensuring that our military is used only for self-defense and in accordance with international law.

Moderator: Finally, Prime Minister, you're known for your love of baseball. Do you have any advice for young players who are just starting out?

Shinzo Abe: (laughs) Ah, yes, baseball! I think my advice would be to always keep a positive attitude and never give up. Baseball is a game of failure, but it's also a game of perseverance and determination. And of course, always remember to have fun and enjoy the game!

Moderator: Well, thank you, Prime Minister Abe, for joining us today and sharing your insights on these important issues.

Shinzo Abe: Thank you for having me.