Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Indonesia and Japan have been strategic partners and friends for the past 60 years.

"Japan has been a cooperation partner with Indonesia in various fields. The partnership between the two countries has grown closer, marked by the holding of Maritime Strategic Cooperation Forum signed in 2016," he said, at a reception to mark the 84th anniversary of Emperor Akihito here, on Wednesday evening.

The Maritime Strategic Cooperation Forum is aimed at strengthening and accelerating cooperation in maritime security and safety, as well as maritime infrastructure and connectivity development, training and education, and other strategic areas for the two countries.

Kalla stated that the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the two countries` diplomatic relations next year would be a momentum for reviewing the progress that has been made as well as efforts to improve mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

"Cooperation is not only in physical terms but also between nations," he added.

At the reception, held at Hotel Mulia, Kalla wished Emperor Akihito a very "Happy Birthday" and joined a toast led by Japanese ambassador for ASEAN, Kazuo Sunaga, for continued partnership between the two countries.

"On behalf of the government and people of Indonesia, I wish Emperor Akihito a "Happy Birthday." The government and people of Indonesia would pray for his health and welfare," Kalla remarked.

Kalla was accompanied by head of presidential secretariat, Mohamad Oemar; vice president`s special staff for bureaucratic reform, Azyumardi Azra; and chief of vice president`s expert team, Sofjan Wanandi

Source: ANTARA