Prime Minister's comment at the inauguration of President Bush

1. �@On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of President Bush.

2. �@It is my sincere hope that the new Bush Administration will resolutely and successfully tackle issues at home and abroad.

3. �@The Government of Japan will make utmost efforts to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance in close cooperation with the new Bush Administration. Japan is also determined to cooperate with the United States through close dialogue in order to ensure peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, based upon our shared values such as freedom, democracy and market economy.

4. �@I would like to meet with President Bush in person at the earliest possible date in order to achieve a common understanding of the basic direction of the future of the Japan-US relations, with a view to strengthening the alliance between the two countries and making joint efforts for peace and prosperity of the world.