DECLARATION ON VISIT OF JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER

VATICAN CITY, JAN 9, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made by Holy See Press Office Director on the visit this morning to the Holy Father by Keizo Obuchi, prime minister of Japan, accompanied by his wife and entourage:

"Prior to this visit, the prime minister met with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano.

"During the meetings, the problems of relations between State and Church in Japan were reviewed. Great importance was given to the forthcoming celebrations of the 450th anniversary of the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in Kagoshima in August 15, 1549.

"There was also an exchange of opinion on the situation in Asian countries at the present moment."

OP;VISIT OBUCHI;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19990111;Word: 120;