Osaka, Japan - Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto and Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X agreed to increase cooperation between the two cities, mainly in the business and cultural sectors that would  bring the peoples of the two cities closer together.

The two met at the Osaka Gubernatorial office here on Monday.

On the occasion, Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, on behalf of the people of Yogyakarta, also expressed gratitude to the people of Osaka for donating bridges which would facilitate communication between villages in Yogyakarta. The Osaka bridges would replace those damaged in the earthquake that  hit Yogyakarta in May 2006.

He added he had come to  Japan along with several district heads and mayors who were interested in bridges which were no longer being used in Osaka but were still good enough for use in their  respective district/municipality.

"The donated bridges from Osaka are no longer physically bridges but they have become the connecting element between the peoples of Osaka and Yogyakarta," the sultan  added.

During the meeting, the Yogyakarta governor was also accompanied by the information consul at the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka, Masni Erisa.

Governor Hashimoto, meanwhile, expressed his willingness to continue providing assistance to  Yogyakarta as part of the Osaka administration's efforts  to expand its international relations.

Sultan Hamengku Buwono X further expressed his wish to develop a broader collaboration involving exchange of special foods between the  two cities.

- Source : Antara News Agency, 26 May 2008