PRESS RELEASES

Ambassador Ishikane’s Visit to Yogyakarta and Magelang

19th March, 2013

    On Wednesday, 13 March 2013, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN,　Kimihiro Ishikane, visited Yogyakarta and Magelang for lectures and the courtesy call in the special region. The day started with a public lecture on “Japan-ASEAN Relations” by Ambassador Ishikane at the International Relations Studies, Faculty of Social & Political Sciences, Gadjah Mada University with the participation of 93 students.

    Ambassador Ishikane then made a courtesy call to His Royal Highness Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X at the Yogyakarta Special Region’s Governor Office. Ambassador Ishikane talked about Japan’s intention to bring the relationship between ASEAN and Japa closer, in a sense of not only emphasizing on closer economic ties or cooperation between governmental officials, but also on deeper connectivity between the people. In reply to this, the Sultan stated that as Sister Province, Kyoto and Yogyakarta have celebrated 27 years of good relationship and suggested that the Sister Province program should also be implemented to connect provinces in Japan with provinces in ASEAN countries.

    Later in the afternoon, Ambassador Ishikane gave a speech on “Japan-ASEAN Relations” at Taruna Nusantara Senior High School, Magelang. All of 956 students of Taruna Nusantara attended the speech as a “Leadership Special Class” at Balairung Pancasila.

    Japan hopes to strengthen human ties and deepening heart-to-heart relations between Japan and ASEAN; this time, implemented by strengthening the bond between Japan and the people of Yogyakarta. The visit was a part of this year’s commomerative activities of 40th year of Friendship and Cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. The Mission of Japan to ASEAN intends to continue outreach activities to raise awareness of people in ASEAN about ASEAN-Japan activities.