Hashimoto pledges support<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro
\nHashimoto yesterday pledged his country's continued support for
\ndevelopment in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a banquet held by Indonesia's President Soeharto
\nyesterday evening, Hashimoto praised the fast pace of development
\nhere and affirmed Japan's continued support.<\/p>\n
\"I hereby assure you that we intend to do everything we can to
\nhelp Indonesia pursue the kind of development you regard as the
\nmost appropriate,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Japan has long been dedicated to cooperation for the sake of
\nIndonesian development,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Hashimoto arrived here yesterday for the third-leg of his
\neight-day tour of five Southeast Asian countries including
\nBrunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
All five, along with the Philippines and Thailand, are members
\nof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
Hashimoto in his address referred to ASEAN's impending
\nexpansion to include Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.<\/p>\n
He said it was exactly during this period of transformation
\nthat the two countries needed to \"join hands to work for
\nstability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region\".<\/p>\n
President Soeharto in his address urged the two countries to
\ncontinue developing and improving relations to meet the fast pace
\nof global changes.<\/p>\n
Soeharto said cooperation between Japan and ASEAN had been a
\nstrong foundation for the region's economic growth.<\/p>\n
\"We should maintain such cooperation,\" he said, adding that
\nimprovements were also needed to reap the opportunities emerging
\nfrom international changes.<\/p>\n
Japan is of great economic importance to Indonesia. It is
\nIndonesia's largest trading partner, investor and donor of
\ndevelopmental assistance.<\/p>\n
Last year Japanese investments here totaled some US$7 billion
\nin commitments with two-way trade reaching over $13 billion.<\/p>\n
Hashimoto arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in the
\nmorning and was met by Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.<\/p>\n
He was then taken to Merdeka Palace and given a formal welcome
\nby Soeharto.<\/p>\n
After the ceremony Hashimoto and Soeharto held a brief tete-a-
\ntete. According to Minister\/State Secretary Moerdiono, the two
\nimmediately delved into rather substantive issues.<\/p>\n
Hashimoto briefed Soeharto on the current visit of East Timor
\nseparatist leader Jose Ramos Horta to Japan. Hashimoto assured
\nSoeharto that not a single Japanese official would be meeting
\nwith Horta.<\/p>\n
\"The president expressed his appreciation of the firm stance
\ntaken by the Japanese government,\" Moerdiono said.<\/p>\n
Horta has been a constant thorn in Jakarta's side with his
\ncontinued campaigning for an independent East Timor, a former
\nPortuguese colony which was integrated into Indonesia in 1976.<\/p>\n
During the 15-minute parley yesterday, Soeharto expressed his
\nappreciation at the visit despite the continuing hostage crisis
\nin Peru where rebels were still holding hostages at the Japanese
\nembassy in Lima.<\/p>\n
Both leaders agreed terrorist tactics should not be tolerated.<\/p>\n
During the tour, Hashimoto was accompanied by a special task
\nforce consisting of special advisors and communications equipment
\nto continuously monitor developments in Lima.<\/p>\n
He had stripped down his planned entourage in light of the
\nhostage crisis. Hashimoto was originally due to be accompanied by
\nhis wife Kumiko.<\/p>\n
The most senior member of the prime minister's delegation is
\nDeputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano.<\/p>\n
Hashimoto will hold formal bilateral talks with Soeharto this
\nmorning. However sensitive issues such as Indonesia's national
\ncar project, are expected to be avoided.<\/p>\n
After his arrival here yesterday Hashimoto placed a wreath at
\nthe Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and planted a tree at the Beautiful
\nIndonesia in Miniature Park.<\/p>\n
Hashimoto is scheduled to fly to Hanoi tomorrow morning.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hashimoto-pledges-support-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }