JAPAN INTENDS TO DEVELOP STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH RI : OFFICIAL

Jakarta, Feb 9 (ANTARA) - Japan wishes to develop a relationship of strategic significance and equality with Indonesia in the future, Japan's Vice Ambassador to Indonesia, Takio Yamada, said here on Tuesday.

"Japan has been assisting Indonesia in its development. However, Indonesia has grown so much during the past years. It is time to apply a new approach toward the bilateral cooperation," Takio said during a press briefing on an All-Japan Meeting held in Jakarta on Feb 8-9.

Indonesia was a country of vital importance to Japan, and its ability to enjoy positive economic growth despite the global financial crisis, its growing democracy were among the reasons Japan wanted to strengthen its cooperation with Indonesia through a strategic partnership, he said.

"Seeing Indonesia's more stable conditions today makes us believe that more Japanese investors will come and Japan will be one of the major investors in Indonesia," Takio said.

The All-Japan Meeting was a gathering participated in by representatives of Japanese institutions in Indonesia, Japanese consulates in Indonesian cities and the Japanese business community in the country.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Association of Indonesian Alumni from Japan (PERSADA).