Indonesia, Japan Strengthen Bilateral Relations Through Youth Exchange Program
Jakarta. Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masafumi Ishii said on Wednesday (07/06) that cultural exchanges between young people of both countries are important tools to foster relations, especially amid growing political uncertainties in the global arena.
"In an uncertain international climate, youth exchanges are an important means to increase assurance. For the future of Indonesia and Japan, I am determined to continue this program," Ishii said during a fast-breaking event hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta.
The cultural exchange program, held annually in partnership between Islamic boarding schools in the country and the Asean-Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (Jenesys), has been an integral part of the embassy's work in Jakarta.
According to Ishii, the program helps to show similarities in Islamic teachings and the discipline of Japanese life.
"Indonesia-Japan relations in the future will be extremely important to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region," said Azyumardi Azra, a cultural and humanities professor at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta.
Indonesia and Japan will celebrate 60 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2018.
According to Ishii, 2018 will be an important year of celebrations and new agreements, marking a new chapter in Indonesia-Japan bilateral relations.
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