Japan-Indonesia Relations
Japan-Indonesia Summit Telephone Talk
On December 25, commencing at around 5:30 p.m. for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia. The overview of the telephone talk is as follows. The telephone talk was attended by Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Kotaro Nogami, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary and others.
1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe explained that he was deeply saddened to learn of the large number of precious lives that were lost as a result of the tsunami that struck the Sunda Strait, and the devastating damage that was caused by the tsunami, and on behalf of the Government of Japan and Japanese citizens he extended his heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and his sympathies to all of those affected. Prime Minister Abe also stated that Japan is ready to provide the utmost assistance necessary, including the provision of emergency relief goods. In addition, Prime Minister Abe noted that both Japan and Indonesia are disaster-prone countries, and so mutually understand the enormity of such disasters. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan stands constantly beside Indonesia as it overcomes this difficult time.
2. In response, President Joko expressed gratitude for Japan’s warm words, and explained that for the time being Indonesia is responding to the disaster and concentrating on saving lives and evacuating residents.