Wednesday, September 5, 2001
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Official Residence from youths in Japan and ten Southeast Asian countries representing participants in the SSEAYP, along with representatives of the families accepting them for home stays in each country. In this program youths from Japan and Southeast Asian nations spend time together on board and engage in various exchange activities both on the boat and at the countries they visit. The purpose of the program is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youths of Japan and Southeast Asian nations and to expand the international perspective of them. Prime Minister Koizumi addressed the youth, stating "I hope from my heart that you will cultivate a spirit of understanding and respect for differing cultures, expand your international perspective and thereby contribute to world peace and prosperity through the valuable experience of spending time together on board and engaging in exchange activities at the various countries." |