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We are certain his trip to Japan will further deepen the relationship
between the two countries.
Finally, a word about Hong Kong. Today, I have outlined Japan's
Asian and Pacific policy. The key words are promotion of interdependence,
economic dynamism and cultural multiplicity of the Asian and Pacific
region. It so happens that these key words are amazingly descriptive
of Hong Kong. Japan values highly the dynamism of Hong Kong, and
regards Hong Kong as critically important.
Japan is impressed by Hong Kong, not because of its skyscrapers and
splendid night views. Hong Kong is critically important to Japan, not
merely because it is a great trading, financial and other economic
partner for Japan. There is something in Hong Kong which surpasses
the direct economic gains Japan acquires in its transactions with Hong
Kong. Hong Kong is not only a dynamo in the modernization of China but
it is also a dynamo in the entire Asian and Pacific region in steering
the positive trends which are so important to everybody. There lies
the true meaning of Hong Kong to this region and to the rest of the
world.
In this respect, Japan shares the view of the United Kingdom and
China, as well as the people of Hong Kong, that prosperity and stability
in Hong Kong are essential. Both the United Kingdom and China are
famed for their realism and tactfulness. Since the basic interests of
the parties concerned are congruent, we trust that positive solutions
will be found through negotiations.
note.
Mr. Chairman, allow me to conclude my address also on a personal
The name of Hong Kong University is very familiar to me. For the
Japanese foreign service owes much to this University. Kimio Fujita, my
classmate in the foreign service, studied at this University in 1956.
He was Japan's first foreign service officer sent abroad for Chinese
language training after the War. Fujita has since played an important
role in strengthening the relations between Japan and China. We have
sent many young officers to this University and to the Chinese University
of Hong Kong.