Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� September, 2002

Representatives of Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) Pay Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Monday, September 9, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Official Residence from youths of Japan and ten Southeast Asian countries representing participants in the SSEAYP, along with representatives of the families accepting them for homestays in each country. In this program, approximately 320 youths from Japan and Southeast Asian nations travel for around 50 days on the "Ship for Southeast Asian Youth," visiting Japan and several Southeast Asian nations. The purpose of the program is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youths through spending time together and engaging in various exchange activities both on the boat and in the countries they visit. This year marks the 29th voyage of the SSEAYP. Prime Minister Koizumi shook hands with each of the participating youths and offered them his encouragement.