Reddy calls for strengthening Indo-Japan relations

New Delhi, Jun 17 (UNI) Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy has said Japan is perhaps the only country which can be role model for India in urban development sector because our population density is very high.

Mr Reddy was speaking at a meeting with a delegation, led by Japanese Vice-Minister of Engineering Affairs, Land, Infrastructures and Transport Hiroaki Taniguchi, here yesterday.

The delegation has come to India to attend the second Meeting of the Indo-Japan Working Group on Urban Development.

The group was formed after the signing of a Mamorandum of understanding in 2007.

The Indian delegation was led by Urban Development Secretary M Ramachandran.

Expressing his gratitude for Japan's assistance for Delhi Metro Rail, the Minister mentioned that his Ministry would like to utilise Japan's expertise in the field of water purification and its re-use.

He further said such exchange of delegations are very useful in strengthening bilateral relationships between India and Japan in the field of sanitation, environment, urban development and urban transport.

The group also agreed to explore on capacity building in urban transport, rail-based transit system, comprehensive mobility planning and management using intelligent transport systems.

UNI CS PM0630