Representatives of the ruling parties from countries of ASEAN plus 3 (Japan, China, and Korea) were invited. From Japan, Deputy Director General Yoshimi Watanabe and Director Taku Otsuka of the International Bureau, and Vice Secretary-General Nobuko Okashita attended as Party delegates sent by Secretary-General Tsutomu Takebe. As representatives made speeches, delegation leader Watanabe talked about the history and the role of the Liberal Democratic Party which in aiding Japan's development in the post-war period. He also offered some concrete measures for the increased prosperity of East Asia. On the same day, the delegation had talks with Vice President Muhammad Yusuf KALLA (President of GOLKAR party) and later with Indonesian House Speaker Agung Laksono (Vice President of GOLKAR party). The Vice President expressed the view that the strengthening of relations between the ruling parties will lead to the reinforcement of relations between their countries' respective governments. Mr Watanabe also emphasized the importance of further strengthening of relations between Japan and Indonesia. At talks with Speaker Agung Laksono, they exchanged views on substantive issues such as energy and the nuclear issue of North Korea. Many experiences and much wisdom and knowledge were shared at the Seminar. The remarkable contribution of the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan's postwar progress was impressed upon Indonesian officials in the seminar and in formal talks. |
