President expresses appreciation for Fukuda

Desy Nurhayati , The Jakarta Post | Tue, 09/02/2008 5:21 PM | National

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed his appreciation for Japan’s Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda who resigned on Monday for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking on behalf of the president, spokesperson Dino Pattie Djalal said at the state palace on Tuesday that Fukuda was a statesman with vision and high integrity.

"The reason behind Fukuda's resignation is certainly Japanese internal affairs but President Yudhoyono wanted to express his appreciation after all," Dino said.

Fukuda announced his sudden resignation on Monday, saying the country needed a fresh start after a troubled year in office which was marred by bitter fighting with the opposition.

He said bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan under Fukuda's administration were moving faster in a short time, because before becoming Japanese prime minister he was the chairman of Indonesia-Japan Friendship.

Dino said the president had expressed hope for Indonesia to continue maintaining strong bilateral relation with Japan, no matter who would replace Fukuda as prime minister.(and)

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