TOKYO, Feb. 12-- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a policy speech in Diet on Thursday, reiterating his determination to push for economic reforms but avoiding mentioning the most controversial security legislation which may enable the country to expand the role of its Self-Defense Forces (SDF).

At the beginning of his speech in the House of Representatives plenary session, Abe pledged again that Japan "will never give in to terrorism" despite the recent killing of two Japanese hostages by the Islamic State militants.

"We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance such as food and medical aid," Abe said. "Japan will fulfill that responsibility in the international fight against terrorism."

The prime minister emphasized his reform plans for Japan's agriculture, medical services, social security program, education and overall economy, but refrained from explaining the most controversial issue expected at this year's ordinary Diet session, namely the security legislation.

The Japanese government plans to submit to the Diet a number of security-related bills, including those that would allow Japan to use the right of collective self-defense, based on the government' s rubber-stamped decision last July to reinterpret the pacifist Constitution.

As for those bills, Abe did not explain in detail but only stated: "I will promote enactment of security legislation so that (Japan) can seamlessly cope with every (possible) contingency."

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II. Abe said Japan will continue its path as a pacifist nation and will try to be trusted by the world by making provocative contributions to global peace and stability.

However, Abe did not refer to a statement he is set to issue in August marking the end of the war. Observers here said that in light of robust discussions about the statement among ruling and opposition parties, the prime minister should take responsibility to explain it in Diet.

In the speech, Abe also urged Japanese people to debate amending the war-renouncing constitution, which no prime minister has ever done.

Since taking office again in late 2012, Abe has been pushing for a more proactive role for Japan's SDF and taking Constitution Amendment as his long-term ambition. However, those moves have triggered strong oppositions both at home and abroad, sparking questions over Abe's real military intention.

Talking about relations with China, Abe said Japan will deepen dialogue and develop stable friendly relationship with China from overall interest.

Abe also touched on the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, saying that a conclusion is finally in sight. "Japan will take the initiative with the United States in the negotiations for an early conclusion," he said.

Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Finance Minister Taro Aso and Economics Minister Akira Amari also released policy speeches on diplomatic, financial and economic areas respectively in Diet on Thursday.