Strategic partnership with Japan important for peace, stability in Asia, world: PM

New Delhi, Oct 24 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday said that a strategic and global partnership between India and Japan is important for peace, prosperity and stability in Asia and the world.

In a statement issued ahead of his departure on a three-nation tour to Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam, Dr. Singh described Japan as one of India's major economic partners, and added that bilateral trade and economic relationship is all set to enter a new phase.

He said the annual summit with Japan has resulted in a strong vibrant and multi-dimensional relationship between the two countries.

"We have embarked upon mega infrastructure projects with Japanese assistance which have the potential of transforming our economy. Our trade and economic relationship is set to enter a new phase. I look forward to detailed discussions with Prime Minister Kan on bilateral, regional and global issues," he added.

Referring to Malaysia's key role in the ASEAN region, Dr. Singh said he would seek new areas of understanding with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to reinforce the rich bond of history and culture that united the two countries.

He said that in today's unsettled world, it is more important for societies that are democratic multi-religious and multi-cultural to work together.

He said the visit to Malaysia would lead to a greater integration of economies of the two countries and cooperation in areas of infrastructures development, railways, energy, knowledge industry, defence and greater people to people contact.

India and Malaysia share a special bond because over two million people of Indian origin living there, Dr. Singh said.

During his visit to Vietnam, Dr. Singh said he would be participating in the Eighth India-ASEAN Summit and the Fifth East Asia Summit.

Dr. Singh said the scale and range of India's interaction with ASEAN countries has expanded significantly in the last six years and he would discuss with ASEAN leaders a road map for future cooperation.

The Fifth East Asia Summit, Dr. Singh said represents the desire of Asia Pacific region to build an open and inclusive architecture of regional cooperation. (ANI)