Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has begun steps to amend the nation's constitution following his return from trips to Russia and the Middle East.

He told reporters Sunday that sufficient talks will be held with the ruling coalition partner the New Komeito Party, which is against revising the constitution. He said efforts to persuade the public will also be made.

Japan’s ruling camp is moving to revise a peace clause in the nation’s constitution under which Tokyo renounces war and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes.

If the amendment bill passes in the National Diet, Abe is then expected to back the bill's passage in a public referendum.