Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� January, 2004

Representatives of "Ship for World Youth Program" Pay Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Thursday, January 15, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from youths of Japan and 12 nations all around the world representing participants in the "Ship for World Youth Program" at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The "Ship for World Youth Program" is one of the international youth exchange programs of the Government of Japan. In this program, the Japanese and foreign youth spend time together on board the ship and engage in various discuions on common issues from global perspectives, and carry out various exchange activities both on board and in the countries they visit. The purpose of the program is to promote a friendship and mutual understanding among the youths of Japan and the nations participating in the program and to expand their global perspectives. A total of approximately 260 participants from 12 countries, aside from Japan, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, India, New Zealand, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Peru, Russian Federation, Republic of Seychelles, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and United States of America are participating in this year's program. They will visit India, Tanzania and the Seychelles by the beginning of March. Prime Minister Koizumi, after shaking hands with each of the participating youths, said, "I have heard that the slogan of this year's program is 'Challenge to change.' While the world is changing in various ways, I would like each of you to strive and obtain skills to adapt to these changes. Having exchanges with people from many other countries is a valuable opportunity; therefore, I would like all of you to see the countries of the world, deepen ties with many friends and broaden your perspectives through this voyage."