EAM in Japan, discusses strategic partnership

New Delhi, Mar 22: India today reiterated the importance of the strategic and global partnership with Japan and said it looked forward to operationalising the strategic dialogue between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister Panab Mukherjee who arrived in Japan today on a four-day visit, met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari and senior officials and during discussions, underlined the importance of cooperation in Defence and security areas between the two countries.

An official spokesman here said that on arrival in Tokyo, the External Affairs Minister called on Mr Abe and reiterated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation to him to visit India this year.

Mr Mukherjee reiterated the importance attached by India to the strategic and global partnership with Japan and said New Delhi looked forward to operationalising the strategic dialogue with Japan.

He also underlined the importance attached to cooperation in Defence and security fields.

Prime Minister Abe underlined the need for countries with common values of freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights like India and Japan to work together.

He also reiterated the importance of India-Japan strategic dialogue.

Prime Minister Abe welcomed India's presence in the East Asia Summit while the External Affairs Minister welcomed Japan's presence as observer at the forthcoming SAARC summit in New Delhi.

Discussions also covered other regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Minister also met Mr Akira Amari, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Strategic and global partnership issues were discussed.

He briefed Mr Amari on economic developments in India including favourable growth trends. The dedicated freight corridor project was also discussed.

It was noted that first meeting of the Joint Task Force on EPA/CEPA negotiations has agreed on terms of reference and second meeting is to be held in Tokyo in April.

The agreement on modalities and time frame for bilateral consultation mechanism on facilitation of high-technology trade was welcomed.

The first round is to be held in May at the official level.

It was also noted that India-Japan Energy Dialogue meeting would be held in Tokyo in April and would be co-chaired by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission from India.

Discussions also covered the WTO issues.

Mr Mukherjee also held a meeting with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki. During the meeting it was reiterated that broad exchanges between India and Japan at a high level should be continued.

Mr Shiozaki expressed the desire to continue his dialogue with National Security Adviser on key regional issues such as the six-party talks.

The External Affairs Minister is also schemduleed to meet Foreign Minister Taro Aso for holding the first ministerial level strategic dialogue later today.

UNI