Japan's PM begins three-day visit

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 08/20/2007 7:15 AM

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport on Sunday afternoon to begin a three-day visit to Indonesia during which he is expected to sign an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday.

Abe, who refused to step down although his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in the Japanese parliament's upper house, went directly from the airport to Nikko Hotel.

Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda, who received Abe at the airport, said Abe's visit was a monumental occasion as both countries would celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.

""The visit will surely strengthen all aspects of our relations with Japan,"" Hassan said.

""We are not only talking about enhancing economic ties, but building up politic and security relations,"" he told The Jakarta Post.

Hassan dismissed criticism the EPA would only benefit Japan. He said the agreement could boost bilateral trade and Japan's investment in the country.

Indonesia was Abe's first destination in a week-long trip to three countries, including India and Malaysia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo said Abe and Yudhoyono would meet Monday to sign the EPA and discuss trade relations.

The Japanese Embassy in Jakarta said Abe would discuss with Yudhoyono ways to enhance strategic bilateral partnerships in politics, economics and culture.

Abe is accompanied by more than 150 Japanese businesspeople and dozens of journalists.

Both leaders would also tackle international issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula, the United Nations reform program and ways to enhance security in the Malacca Strait.

Abe is also set to open a Japan-Indonesia business forum Monday where he is expected to deliver a speech in front of Indonesian businesspeople on Japan's foreign policy towards global issues.

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