*EPF408 07/01/2004
Text: U.S., Japan Agree to Launch Diplomatic Exchange Program
(Annual exchange will be first such initiative in Asia) (280)

Secretary of State Colin Powell and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi have agreed to initiate a diplomatic exchange program, the State Department announced in a July 1 statement. The annual exchange, the first such initiative in Asia, will place diplomats from each country in the other country's foreign affairs department starting in 2005.

"Exchanging diplomats on a regular basis will deepen our two nations' mutual understanding," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. The United States and Japan are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their bilateral relationship this year.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(Jakarta, Indonesia)
July 1, 2004

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

U.S. and Japan Initiate Diplomatic Exchange

Secretary Powell and Japan's Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi have agreed to launch a Diplomatic Exchange Program that assigns diplomats from each country to work in the Foreign Affairs department of the other beginning in 2005. This annual diplomatic exchange, the first of its kind in Asia, symbolizes the strength of the U.S.-Japan relationship, which marks its 150th Anniversary this year.

Exchanging diplomats on a regular basis will deepen our two nations mutual understanding. It will also build lasting relationships between diplomats serving in Washington and Tokyo who will come to know the inner workings of each nation's government and society.

United States Ambassador to Japan Howard H. Baker, Jr. and Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato were instrumental in creating the exchange program that will further deepen and improve this most important bilateral relationship.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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