Exchange of New Year Messages between Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan, and Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia

January 4, 2008

Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan, exchanged New Year messages with Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, in the very beginning of this year, which marks the Japan-Indonesia Friendship Year (50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations). They confirmed their determination mutually to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries.
The Japan-Indonesia Friendship Year, which is based on the time-honored friendly and cooperative relationship nurtured for the latter half of the last century, will offer great opportunities to further develop bilateral relations in the next half century. Accordingly, various events will be held in both countries to broaden and deepen exchanges and cross-generational mutual understanding between their peoples.
The exchange of messages, which marks the beginning of the Friendship Year, is expected to give further impetus to the efforts of the two countries for the success of the Year and to help promote a wide range of participation by nationals of both countries in its events.

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