Indonesia is Japan's Best Partner: Ambassador Masafumi

Jakarta, MINA – Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Masafumi Ishii said Indonesia is the best and potential partner for working together to develop both two countries.

“So far Indonesia and Japan have very close relations. In the future, with a huge potential workforce from Indonesia, it is time for us to help each other, build good cooperation and get benefit each other, “he said in an exclusive interview with MINA’s reporters in his office, Jakarta on Thursday, August 15.

Masafumi Ishii also said that Japan is currently developing the halal industry because next year (2020) the country will host the international sports event Olympic Games.

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“In that event, of course, we will receive guests from various countries, including Muslim athletes who need services according to their needs (halal). the Japanese government is very concerned about this,” he said.

The ambassador, who is fond of Indonesian specialties, “Soto” said that the culture of Japanese society which very welcome with anyone, including Moslems. There are almost no cases of Islamophobia in our country because indeed we accept it well and Muslims can also appreciate our culture.

According to Ambassador Masafumi, quoting Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) data 2018, Japan was number four in Moslem destination among non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries. He thanks to the good performance of the government and the Japanese community in building the trust of the Moslem community so that the country becomes a major tourist destination.

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For Indonesia, Japan is the largest trading partner country in terms of Indonesia’s export-import. Relations between the two countries began on 20 January 1958. Bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan were reflected in various agreements that were signed by the two governments. These were done to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various fields. For example, in the field of education and social culture. (TL/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)