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The Prime Minister in Action
Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting and Other Events
March 23, 2015
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
Photograph of Prime Minister Abe welcoming the President of Indonesia
Photograph of the ceremony by the guard of honor
Photograph of the Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting
Photograph of the leaders about to attend the signing ceremony, the ceremony for the exchange of gifts, and the joint press announcement
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing ceremony
Photograph of the leaders attending the ceremony for the exchange of memorandums
Photograph of the leaders attending the joint press announcement
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering a speech at the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe
[Provisional Translation]
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Ir. H. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Prime Minister's Office.
First, the two leaders attended a ceremony by the guard of honor and then held a summit meeting. Following this, the leaders held a signing ceremony, a ceremony for the exchange of memorandums, and a joint press announcement.
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet inviting President Joko Widodo, among others. The Prime Minister said in his address,
“I want to again offer my heartfelt welcome to President Joko, Mrs. Joko, and all who accompany them. A short time ago, during the summit meeting with President Joko, the new democratic leader of Indonesia, we confirmed that we will further strengthen our strategic partnership as major Asian maritime democratic nations.
I view Indonesia as an extremely important partner. It was the first country I visited following my inauguration, and this time, I am extremely pleased that President Joko has selected Japan for his first bilateral visit outside of ASEAN.
As if to welcome President Joko and Mrs. Joko to Tokyo, spring has arrived and the cherry blossoms have started to bloom. During this season, many tourists from Indonesia are coming to Japan to view the cherry blossoms. I hope that President Joko and Mrs. Joko can enjoy them as well.
My greeting just now was originally drafted about one week ago, and I am happy to say that today, the declaration was made that the cherry blossoms had bloomed.
Today Ms. Sugako Kaikiri has also joined us from Jakarta. Four years ago, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Indonesian student theater troupe led by Ms. Kaikiri, En Juku, sang the following lines as part of a song meant to encourage the people of Tohoku affected by the disaster. ‘Bloom proudly, o cherry tree, bloom in the heart of Japan. Bloom proudly, o Japan, bloom in the heart of the world.’ I do not think that we Japanese have ever been as encouraged by our heartfelt friends, the people of Indonesia, as when we heard that song. On the occasion of this visit by the President and his wife, I hope to further advance exchanges and cooperation between our two countries.
On this occasion, we have invited many people who have been working hard for bilateral exchange and cooperation. I think that the attendance today by so many people from every field is proof of just how broad and deep the heartfelt ties are between our two countries. I would like to conclude my welcome remarks by offering my wishes for the health and happiness of President Joko, Mrs. Joko, and everyone here, and for the further development of friendship and cooperation between the people of Japan and Indonesia. Thank you.”
