(VOVworld) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said 2016 will be a challenging year for Japan. At a press conference on Monday, Mr. Abe said 2016 would be the year in which Japan would demonstrate its position in the international arena and implement its external and interior targets, creating momentum for Japan’s future development.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a regular Diet session at the lower house of Parliament in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016. (Photo: AP)

He also referred to Japan returning to the UN Security Council as a nonpermanent member. Mr. Abe pledged to help raise the GDP to 600 trillion yen, raise Japan’s birth rate to 1.8 percent, and ensure workers will not have to leave their jobs to care for their elderly parents. Prime Minister Abe also confirmed his effort to maintain the majority of the ruling coalition in the election for the Upper House of parliament in July and continue promoting constitutional reform, stating that he will include this issue in his election campaign.