"During the phone conversation, President Yudhoyono expressed belief that Japan would progress further under Prime Minister Abe," presidential special aide for international relations Teuku Faizasyah said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday congratulated Shinzo Abe on his inauguration as Japan`s new prime minister.
"President Yudhoyono rang up Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at around 2.30pm on Friday to congratulate him for his inauguration as Japan`s prime minister for the second time. They spoke for about 15 minutes," presidential special aide for international relations Teuku Faizasyah said.
He added that President Yudhoyono had already sent a letter of congratulation to the Japanese prime minister earlier.
Shinzo Abe, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, was inaugurated as Japan`s prime minister on Wednesday. He replaced Yoshihiko Noda, a member of the Democratic Party. Abe had held the prime ministerial post previously during 2006-07.
"During the phone conversation, President Yudhoyono expressed belief that Japan would progress further under Prime Minister Abe," Teuku stated.
"Japan will also continue to play a key role in improving regional stability and prosperity in Asia," he said.
Teuku noted that President Yudhoyono also invited the new prime minister to Indonesia.
"In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields, especially under the strategic partnership agreement signed during Abe`s first term," he said.
"Prime Minister Abe also said he would ask his ministers to make efforts to increase cooperation with Indonesia," Teuku added. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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