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.