[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office from representatives of the Ship for World Youth Leaders, which is part of the Next Generation Global Leaders Program FY2015.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to Japan to those from around the world who are participating in the Ship for World Youth Leaders as part of the Global Youth Leaders Development Program.

Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I have had the opportunity to meet with leaders from all over the world, in Japan and during my trips overseas. It is during these interactions that I have been moved by their hard work to make their own countries, as well as the world, a better place.

This Next Generation Global Leaders Program is a project in which youth coming from a variety of perspectives receive opportunities for personal growth while also fostering deep person-to-person connections. I hope that you will all sincerely engage with your new friends, develop relationships of mutual trust, and become a bridge between Japan and other countries.

I would like to conclude my remarks by offering my wishes that this wonderful experience be a precious asset for all of your futures, and that you will utilize this valuable experience to fulfill roles as youth leaders in each of your countries.”