Remarks by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto at the Banquet Hosted by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia

(Provisional Translation)
Kuala Lumpur
January 8, 1997

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would first like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival this morning, and particularly for holding such a grand banquet for us. Today, I was granted an audience with His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar and also had an opportunity to hold a frank exchange of views with Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir on various international issues as well as our bilateral relations. As was the case with our meeting in February last year, I listened with keen interest to Your Excellency's insightful opinions on international issues.

Your Excellency,

I am most impressed with your country's phenomenal economic development and the solid political stability of Malaysia. Watching from my car window, I noticed the splendid Kuala Lumpur skyline with the world's tallest twin towers, constructions going on everywhere in the city, and also the smiling faces of people in their colorful national costumes.

Allow me to take this opportunity to express my admiration for the leadership that Your Excellency has exercised since assuming office, and for the never-ending efforts of the Malaysian people.

Ever since Your Excellency advocated the "Look East" Policy in 1981, the cooperation between Japan and Malaysia have deepened tremendously, particularly in the economic field. In line with the increasing economic exchanges, our bilateral political cooperation and cultural exchanges have also expanded. The close and heartfelt ties between our two peoples, cultivated through the "Look East" Policy, are indeed valuable assets for both countries.

Your Excellency,

ASEAN will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its creation this year. The economic development and political stability nurtured in the ASEAN countries over the past three decades are quite remarkable to say the least. With these accomplishments of the ASEAN countries in mind, I consider it increasingly important for Japan to widen and deepen its cooperative relationship with ASEAN as we expand our relations from the traditional economic area into other fields as well. I firmly believe that peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region of the 21st century, as well as those in the world, can be achieved through close cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.

In building its partnership with ASEAN, Japan will maintain close contact with Malaysia, especially sine Malaysia holds the ASEAN presidency this year, when ASEAN celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Yours Excellency, Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hashmah,
Distinguished Guests,
ladies and Gentlemen,

In closing, I would like to propose a toast for the health of Their Majesties, for further success of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir and Datin Seri Siti Hasmash, and for everlasting friendship between Japan and Malaysia.

Thank you.