Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Youth and Sports Ministry (Kemenpora) has persistently worked towards deepening cooperation with Japan and other Southeast Asian nations for implementing the Ship for South East Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

To this end, one of the endeavors is to attend the 2019 SSEAYP Conference in the Cabinet Office, Tokyo, Japan, on June 10-14. The ministry's delegation was led by Deputy of Youth Empowerment Faisal Abdullah, who represented Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi.

The conference covered discussions on preparations for the 2019 SSEAYP to be held in October-December, including deliberating on proposals for programs from participating nations: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, and Laos.

Abdullah, appointed to represent ASEAN participants, remarked that regional cooperation involving youth had moved in the required direction.

"Creative and innovative projects and youth initiatives are planned for 2019. It demonstrates that regional cooperation on youth has moved in the desired direction," Abdullah remarked in his official statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Abdullah emphasized that the meeting was also a testament to the commitment to explore new cooperation initiatives to intensify strategic partnerships for Indonesia.

"We must ascertain that we engage with youngsters and hear their voices. Thus, we can ensure that we implement the right policies to ensure the inclusion of young people, including in the fields of employment, education, health and community participation," he noted.

Director General of International Youth Exchange from the Cabinet Office Fukuda Masanobu, Assistant Deputy of Youth Capacity Building I Gusti Putu Raka Pariana, President of SSEAYP Indonesia Pia Adiprima, and Vice President of SSEAYP Indonesia Sylvanus were attendees at the conference.

EDITED BY INE

Translator: Bayu K / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019