Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi expressed his determination Friday to successfully stage the 2000 summit of the Group of Eight major nations in Okinawa, indicating his readiness to stay at the helm for at least another year.

"As we enter the next century, the next few years will be very important," said the prime minister, who met with the press as he marked the start of his second year in office.

"The Japanese government wants to introduce Okinawa to the world at next year's summit and we're determined to put the best effort to make it successful," he said.