The following is the gist of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's first policy speech delivered Monday at an extraordinary session of parliament.
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Suga vows to:
-- cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
-- carry on economic policies of his predecessor Shinzo Abe.
-- balance steps against COVID-19 with promotion of economic activity.
-- secure enough COVID-19 vaccines for all residents by 1st half of next year.
-- hold Tokyo Olympics next summer as proof humanity has beat novel coronavirus.
-- set up new agency to facilitate digitalization of government functions.
-- resolve the issue of North Korea's past abductions of Japanese nationals.
-- maintain deterrence provided by Japan-U.S. security alliance.
-- aim for free and open Indo-Pacific region.
-- seek to maintain stable ties with China and South Korea.
-- extend public health insurance coverage to fertility treatment.
-- swiftly work on reforms, including lowering mobile phone bills and digitalizing administrative procedures.
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