Pranab Mukherjee to visit Japan on March 22-23

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will pay an official visit to Japan on March 22-23 for holding the First Strategic Dialogue between the two countries with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso.

The External Affairs Minister is also expected to discuss with the Japanese leadership the Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement and its approval by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Japan is a member of the 45-nation powerful nuclear lobby.

This will be Mr Mukherjee's first visit to Japan since becoming the External Affairs Minister.

Mr Mukherjee's visit is part of the regular process of high-level exchanges between the two countries, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

''During his visit, the External Affairs Minister will hold the First Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Ministers Level with Foreign Minister of Japan Mr. Taro Aso,'' the spokesman said.

He will also call on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

UNI