Message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
Australia-Japan Conference for the 21st Century

April 29, 2001

  I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on the opening of the Australia-Japan Conference for the 21st Century.

  Japan and Australia are partners with shared values and interests in many fields, and there are lively interactions at all levels between our two countries and peoples.

  I visited Australia in January of 1998 as Minister for Welfare, and met with Australian Health and Aged Care Minister Dr. Wooldridge. Since then, I have had a keen interest in promoting cooperation between the two countries.

  It is both timely and significant to hold this conference to consider ways to strengthen our future relationship in the first year of this century. With such eminent participants representing various sectors of each country, I am confident that this conference will give us valuable insights and innovative ideas to further strengthen the Japan-Australia partnership.