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Top What's up around the Prime Minister April, 2002
What's up around the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Visits East Timor

Monday, April 29, 2002


Photo: Visit to East Timor Photo: Talks with Mr. Xanana Gusmao Photo: Observation of the Working Site of an Engineer Unit Photo: Prime Minister Koizumi Offering Encouragement to SDF Personnel

Click photographs to enlarge

In the afternoon of April 29, as the first G8 leader, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited East Timor, where he met with President-elect Xanana Gusmao, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Sergio Vieira de Mello.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his congratulations to the achievement of formal independence, and offered support from Japan focusing mainly on education, agricultural and social infrastructure areas. In addition, the Prime Minister expressed support for the creation of friendly relations between East Timor and countries such as the Republic of Indonesia, stating that, "I want to make efforts to improve relations between East Timor and surrounding countries and peoples." He further stated his thought that "national reconciliation" would be the foundation to nation-building and recommended that a resolution be found to the issues of domestic stability and refugees. In response, Mr. Gusmao expressed his gratitude for the peacekeeping operation (PKO) activities being undertaken by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and made a request for continued support.

Prime Minister Koizumi next held a meeting with Chief Minister of the Transitional Government Mari Alkatiri and Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos Horta, in which it was agreed to create "forward-looking close and friendly relations." The Prime Minister also stated that he was considering sending a senior government official to attending the ceremony of independence.

After these meetings, Prime Minister Koizumi visited the camp of the Self-Defense Forces, which are carrying out PKO activities in and around the main city of East Timor, Dili, where he observed a waterworks facility construction site. Prime Minister Koizumi praised the SDF personnel for their efforts, offering encouragement thus, "The role of the SDF is extremely significant. I would like you all to perform your duties to the best of your abilities, while gaining the understanding and trust of the local people."