The economy continues to be our highest priority, and we are doing everything possible to break out of deflation and execute the growth strategy. We need to deliver the benefits of economic recovery to every street corner of Japan in order to secure this growth trajectory. That is the mission of the next Abe Cabinet. We are still in the midst of reform. I have restructured the Cabinet to make a fresh start on the policy challenges and to ensure that we are able to move forward even more boldly and powerfully.
One of the biggest challenges facing the new Cabinet is to reinvigorate and enrich outlying localities. I have created a new post - Minister in charge of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan to concentrate authority over all aspects of regional policy. Another major challenge facing the Abe Cabinet is the creation of a society where women have the opportunity to shine. I have appointed five women to the Cabinet. They include our first female ministers of Internal Affairs and Communications, of Economy, Trade and Industry, and of Disaster Management. I hope that they will bring new perspectives and approaches to these roles. I have also appointed a new Minister in charge of Promoting Women's Active Participation.
We will continue to take an active approach to global affairs and international relations. This will include an acceleration of efforts to prepare a seamless legal framework for security as outlined in the recently approved basic policy. To this end, I have appointed a new Minister in charge of Security Legislation. There are extremely far-reaching concepts involved, and a large part of this job will be providing the Japanese people with detailed explanations so that our aims and objectives are fully understood. With respect to the reorganization of U.S. forces in Japan, we will do everything possible to mitigate the burdens imposed by the bases while maintaining deterrent force. I have therefore appointed a new Minister in charge of Alleviating the Burden of the Bases in Okinawa.
Six current ministers will remain at their posts. They are all highly experienced veterans. We will also welcome eight new members to the Cabinet. It is important that the people who will one day lead Japan have the opportunity to gain experience in responsible positions and develop their skills and abilities. The new Abe Cabinet is a cabinet of action and achievement, fully aware of its responsibility to meet the expectations of the Japanese people.
