Japanese prime ministerial hopeful Yoshihide Suga said Saturday that he lacks the kind of diplomatic skills that outgoing leader Shinzo Abe has, including Abe's personal friendship with President Donald Trump, and that he will need his assistance if he assumes the top job.
Abe in late August announced his intention to step down as prime minister due to health problems. He has led Japan since he returned to power in December 2012 for a second stint as prime minister.
Suga, the chief Cabinet secretary, is expected to win Monday's party election and then be endorsed in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday because of the majority held by the ruling bloc.
Abe has traveled to 80 overseas destinations during his tenure, bringing stability and consistency to Japanese diplomacy and raising the country's profile in the international community, experts say. He was noted especially for developing a personal friendship with Trump.
"Prime Minister Abe's leadership diplomacy was truly amazing. I don't think I can match that," Suga said as he joined the two other contenders at a public debate. Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida are also in the race.