On the occasion, Kalla wished Emperor Akihito and his family good health and wisdom to lead their nation toward more prosperity.
He also expressed appreciation for the good relations that have developed between the two countries for the past 60 years and hoped it would continue.
"On this occasion, I wish to express my appreciation to the government and the people of Japan for the friendship and cooperation that we have so far enjoyed in the past few decades," he said in his speech.
Kalla also thanked the government and the people of Japan for donating toward the rehabilitation fund for the victims of the recent earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction in Central Sulawesi.
With the increasing bilateral relations between the two countries, he hoped Japan would continue to step up cooperation with Indonesia.
"The friendship and bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan have grown stronger in the past few years, which can be seen through their increasing bilateral trade relations. I hope Japan will remain firm in its efforts to build mutual relations," he remarked.
Japanese ambassador Ishii thanked the vice president for attending the celebration.
Although this will be his last attendance as a vice president, the ambassador promised the Japanese government would continue to invite Kalla as a honorary guest at the Japanese National Day.
"Although this will be perhaps the last time I receive you as the vice president, we will continue to invite you in the future regardless of your position later except and until you ask me to stop disturbing you," he quipped.
He said this reception would also be the last for the emperor as he would soon abdicate and be replaced by Prince Naruhito.
Naruhito`s anniversary will later be celebrated every February, he revealed.
"This will be the last celebration for him as an Emperor as he will resign in the autumn and will be replaced by Prince Naruhito," he noted.
Vice President Kalla will end his term next year following a presidential election scheduled in April.
Reporting by Fransiska Ninditya, Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
