ROC President Ma Ying-jeou congratulated Shinzo Abe on being chosen Japanese prime minister and forming a new government, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dec. 26.
“The ROC and Japan share values of freedom and democracy and enjoy a special partnership with close cultural, economic, tourism and trade exchanges,” the MOFA quoted Ma as writing in a congratulatory letter. “We look forward to working with Tokyo in taking bilateral cooperation and exchanges to new heights.”
According to the MOFA, Ma was joined in sending a letter to Abe by Premier Sean C. Chen, MOFA Minister David Y. L. Lin and Association of East Asian Relations Chairman Liao Liou-yi.
Abe, 58, has vowed to revive Japan’s economy. He immediately swung into action, instructing his just-appointed cabinet to draft a series of policies tackling deflation and a strong yen.
A key appointment was the naming of Taro Azo, 72, as finance minister. He will help push Abe’s economic stimulus policies and use his experience as prime minister during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis to boost growth.
Abe led the conservative Liberal Democratic Party to a sweeping win in Japan’s Dec. 16 general election. This was the second time he has served as prime minister, following a stint between 2006 and 2007. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw