India, Japan hail progress in cooperation in science and technology sector

Tokyo, Oct. 25 (ANI): Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan here on Monday welcomed the progress made in Science and Technology cooperation, including the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme.

To realize full potential of cooperation in this field, the two Prime Ministers encouraged their respective authorities to promote the cooperative research in the strategic and high technology areas such as Green Innovation and Life Innovation.

On the issue of information and communication technology, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the establishment and the holding of "Committee on India-Japan ICT (Information and Communication Technology) strategy for economic growth" and "India-Japan ICT regulatory policy talk".

Both the leaders shared the view that they will further enhance business tie-ups, R and D collaborative activities and policy cooperation in the field of information and communication technology through close bilateral cooperation, a joint statement released at the end of Prime Ministers extensive, bilateral talks stated.

Also, the two Prime Ministers recognized the importance of strengthening cultural, academic and people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan to reflect their strategic partnership and popular goodwill.

They hoped that the signing of the Memorandum on Simplifying Visa Procedures will further facilitate the movement of people between India and Japan. (ANI)