US, Japan to promote trilateral dialogue with India

Washington, Jun 22: Describing India as "a strong and enduring" Asia-Pacific partner, the US and Japan have said they would promote a trilateral dialogue with it to improve regional cooperation, while building trust with China.

"(We) welcome India as a strong and enduring Asia-Pacific partner and encourage India's growing engagement with the region and participation in regional architectures," said a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting here.

It said they would "promote trilateral dialogue among the United States, Japan, and India."

"We talked about our efforts to improve regional cooperation in a variety of multilateral forums and through a trilateral dialogue with India," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters at the end of the meeting last evening.

The joint statement said the two countries also decided to encourage China's responsible and constructive role in the regional stability and prosperity, its cooperation on global issues and its adherence to international norms of behaviour, while building trust among the US, Japan, and China.

The two sides stressed on improving openness and transparency with respect to China's military modernisation and activities and, strengthening confidence building measures.

"While welcoming the progress to date in improving cross-Strait relations, (they will) encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue," the joint statement said.

PTI