Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama received a courtesy call from the representatives of the youths participating in the 36th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).

The SSEAYP is a joint program inaugurated in 1974 by Japan and the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The program has been conducted annually since its inauguration and this year marks the 36th voyage. Approximately 40 youths from Japan and approximately 290 youths from the 10 ASEAN member countries will travel for around 50 days on the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth, visiting Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines. The purpose of the program is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youths through spending time together and engaging in various exchange activities both on board and in the countries they visit.

Prime Minister Hatoyama shook hands with the representatives from each participating country and gave words of encouragement to them. Following the address by the youth representative, Prime Minister Hatoyama delivered an address. He said, "Just a few days ago, I visited Cha-am Hua Hin in Thailand and engaged in discussions with the leaders of the ASEAN member countries. I really enjoyed my conversations with them. I was convinced through this occasion that if the people in this region and Japan are linked with a broader circle of trust, we can create bonds within Southeast Asia and East Asia. I sincerely hope that those of you who are gathered here today will have the chance to prove my conviction true on the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth and confirm with each other the bonds of trust, and that you will make a great leap forward in your respective regions and globally."