Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > October 2017 > Courtesy Call from Representatives of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program and Others
The Prime Minister in Action
Courtesy Call from Representatives of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program and Others
October 24, 2017
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister receiving the courtesy call (2)
[Provisional Translation]
On October 24, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from youth representatives participating in the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) and others at the Prime Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
“I would like to sincerely welcome all of you to Japan who have come as representatives of the countries participating in the 44th SSEAYP.
Since I became Prime Minister, I have visited all 10 of your countries. I enjoyed warm hospitality in all the places I visited. This year ASEAN celebrated its 50th anniversary. I anticipate that ASEAN will continue to take the lead on regional stability and prosperity as a partner with which Japan shares fundamental values.
Japan has learned a lot through its cooperation with ASEAN. In addition, we have thought together and acted together for the further development of the ASEAN region.
It is people who will carve out the future, and this rests on the capabilities of young people in particular. SSEAYP is one of the cooperation programs that attach importance to such people. A total of 12,000 young people have participated in this program so far, and building on this experience they are currently fulfilling active roles in their respective fields.
During your voyage you will likely make many new friends with different histories, cultures, and values. I hope that close bonds will be fostered by having extensive conversations with each other, learning about the wonderful qualities of each other’s countries, and affirming your pride in the country that you were born and raised.
As the representative speaker stated earlier, it is truly up to all of you to create a bright future. The future is not unchangeable. It rests on what you do today.
I hope that you will draw upon the valuable experiences and the friendships you will foster aboard the ship in your endeavors to contribute to the peace and development of Asia and the world.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes for your continued success.”
