Hashimoto pledges support

Hashimoto pledges support

JAKARTA (JP): Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro
Hashimoto yesterday pledged his country's continued support for
development in Indonesia.

Speaking at a banquet held by Indonesia's President Soeharto
yesterday evening, Hashimoto praised the fast pace of development
here and affirmed Japan's continued support.

"I hereby assure you that we intend to do everything we can to
help Indonesia pursue the kind of development you regard as the
most appropriate," he said.

"Japan has long been dedicated to cooperation for the sake of
Indonesian development," he added.

Hashimoto arrived here yesterday for the third-leg of his
eight-day tour of five Southeast Asian countries including
Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

All five, along with the Philippines and Thailand, are members
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Hashimoto in his address referred to ASEAN's impending
expansion to include Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

He said it was exactly during this period of transformation
that the two countries needed to "join hands to work for
stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region".

President Soeharto in his address urged the two countries to
continue developing and improving relations to meet the fast pace
of global changes.

Soeharto said cooperation between Japan and ASEAN had been a
strong foundation for the region's economic growth.

"We should maintain such cooperation," he said, adding that
improvements were also needed to reap the opportunities emerging
from international changes.

Japan is of great economic importance to Indonesia. It is
Indonesia's largest trading partner, investor and donor of
developmental assistance.

Last year Japanese investments here totaled some US$7 billion
in commitments with two-way trade reaching over $13 billion.

Hashimoto arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in the
morning and was met by Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.

He was then taken to Merdeka Palace and given a formal welcome
by Soeharto.

After the ceremony Hashimoto and Soeharto held a brief tete-a-
tete. According to Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, the two
immediately delved into rather substantive issues.

Hashimoto briefed Soeharto on the current visit of East Timor
separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta to Japan. Hashimoto assured
Soeharto that not a single Japanese official would be meeting
with Horta.

"The president expressed his appreciation of the firm stance
taken by the Japanese government," Moerdiono said.

Horta has been a constant thorn in Jakarta's side with his
continued campaigning for an independent East Timor, a former
Portuguese colony which was integrated into Indonesia in 1976.

During the 15-minute parley yesterday, Soeharto expressed his
appreciation at the visit despite the continuing hostage crisis
in Peru where rebels were still holding hostages at the Japanese
embassy in Lima.

Both leaders agreed terrorist tactics should not be tolerated.

During the tour, Hashimoto was accompanied by a special task
force consisting of special advisors and communications equipment
to continuously monitor developments in Lima.

He had stripped down his planned entourage in light of the
hostage crisis. Hashimoto was originally due to be accompanied by
his wife Kumiko.

The most senior member of the prime minister's delegation is
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano.

Hashimoto will hold formal bilateral talks with Soeharto this
morning. However sensitive issues such as Indonesia's national
car project, are expected to be avoided.

After his arrival here yesterday Hashimoto placed a wreath at
the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and planted a tree at the Beautiful
Indonesia in Miniature Park.

Hashimoto is scheduled to fly to Hanoi tomorrow morning.