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On December 15, DPJ Diet members belonging to the party’s Youth Department held discussions on the three themes of natural resources and energy; infrastructure and supporting industries; and distribution and tourism, with a delegation of around fifty administrative officials from the five Mekong nations (Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam). The delegation was visiting Japan under the auspices of the JENESYS Programme (the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths).
At the start of the meeting, the Deputy Director-General of the Youth Department Tsutomu Takamura welcomed the delegation. He said, “As we belong to the same generation, we can exchange opinions frankly. I am convinced that if young people and women are active that makes for a vibrant nation, and I believe that the same thing must apply in your respective countries. I would like us to deepen our friendship and exchanges as young individuals who will create the future [of our nations]. I pray that this opportunity will lead us to develop and deepen [our ties].”
In response, the leader of the Mekong delegation said, “I hope that this occasion today will provide an opportunity for a bridge to be formed between young leaders. I believe that by holding discussions with young leaders we can deepen our future relations and strengthen ties. We have learned from you that ability and knowledge are not synonymous with age. You have all gained the trust of the public and are serving as Diet members. We hope that we will be able to create friendly ties and contribute to the peace and stable development of East Asia through such opportunities as this.”
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