New Year Messages of Asia Pacific Leaders

As 2011 came to an end, the leaders of Asia Pacific countries gave New Year Messages. In general, they described the last year as a time of great challenge and the issue of economy was again at the centre of their addresses. On the other hand, they saw this year as a time of change since many countries will hold elections and thus go through power shift. The leaders of those countries suffering from natural disasters delivered warm-hearted and friendly words of comfort to their people.

Japan Yoshihiko Noda

We will certainly implement both welfare and tax reforms… We’ll engrave a testament to Japan’s recovery… International situation will become more unpredictable because the leaders of many countries will change…http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120101_04.html

China Hu Jintao

To accomplish tasks of this year, we must strengthen confidence, tackle thorny problems and advance in a pioneering spirit… Continuity and stability in macroeconomic policies is important in order to maintain economic growth and a stable consumer price level…
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/1024/16780103.html

South Korea Lee Myung-bak

In the year of the soaring dragon, I hope the nation’s fortunes will further proper in the global arena… Developments surrounding the Korean Peninsula are entering into a new period of transition, but new opportunities always emerge amidst such changes and uncertainties…
http://english.president.go.kr/pre_activity/speeches/speeches_view.php?uno=6155&board_no=E03&search_key=&search_value=&search_cate_code=&cur_page_no=1

 Singapore Lee Hsien Loong

2011 was a significant year for Singapore. Singaporeans went to the polls twice, and elected a new government and President… Population is a particularly complex and critical challenge. Like most other developed societies, Singaporeans are having too few babies… Overall, we have every reason to be confident and optimistic…http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/pmo/press_release/P-20111231-1

India Manmohan Singh

The task before us is clear. As look ahead I see five key challenges facing the nation… First, the challenge of livelihood security… Second, economic security… Third, energy security… Fourth, ecological security… Fifth, national security… Let us stand united as a people in overcoming these challenges… Jai Hind!
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/full-transcript-of-the-prime-ministers-new-year-message-162428

Vietnam Truong Tan Sang

Though there remains many difficulties and challenges ahead for us in 2012, let the entire Party, people and army be pro-active in coping with the complex economic situation inside and outside Vietnam and maintain political and social stability, national defence and security…
http://www.nhandan.org.vn/cmlink/nhandan-online/homepage/politics/domestic/president-hails-year-of-achievements-1.328102

Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej

As I have said many times, suffering, threats and hindrances will come to our lives from time to time. Nobody stays happy… Everyone thus must prepare their body and mind for facing and preventing hardships with carefulness, reason, knowledge and unity…
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/273278/king-urges-thais-to-learn-from-floods

The Philippines Benigno S. Aquino Ⅲ

We saw the fruit of reforms that we have implemented: the warm enthusiasm and hopes, and the high trust you’ve put in government opened up more opportunities for our nation. The New Year ushered not only the continuation of what we have started but also speed up the programs for change…
http://www.gov.ph/2011/12/28/president-benigno-s-aquino-iii-message-for-the-new-year-december-28-2011/

Turkey Abdullah Gul

Considering the turmoil and political developments around our country, I believe that 2012 will be a busy year for Turkey… That’s why it is more important than ever to use our energy in a way to positively direct the developments and preserving solidarity within the country…
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=375670

USA Barack Obama

The last year has been a time of great challenge and great progress for our country. We ended one war and began to wind down another… As we head into the New Year, I’m hopeful that we have what it takes to face that challenge and come out even stronger – to grow our economy, create more jobs, and strengthen the middle class…
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/31/weekly-address-working-together-new-year-move-america-forward

Russia mitry Medvedev

Exactly 20 years ago we celebrated our first New Year in a country called Russia – a name celebrated for the illustrious deeds of our great ancestors, who over the centuries built up a huge and very strong power, a great country. It is our duty to preserve it and to build a progressive state, where all of us can live comfortably and do stimulating work…  
http://eng.special.kremlin.ru/transcripts/3299