Friday 20 September 2013

Push to seal Indo-Japan N-energy deal soon

After resuming negotiations for civil nuclear cooperation earlier this month, India and Japan have pledged for an early conclusion of the agreement. In a meeting on Thursday in Tokyo with Prime Minister's special envoy for Japan, Ashwani Kumar, Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida expressed confidence that the proposed agreement can be concluded soon with the support of the people of both countries, the government said in a statement.

"The meeting with foreign minister Kishida also provided an opportunity for a high-level review of the India-Japan strategic and global partnership as the two countries prepare for the visit of Their Imperial Majesties and the subsequent visit of Prime Minister Abe for the annual summit," it said.

Both sides agreed that closer economic cooperation between India and Japan was essential for Asia's continuing growth. In this context, they welcomed the recent decision to expand the bilateral currency swap arrangement to $50 billion, the continuing progress on the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor projects and the discussions on introducing a high-speed railway system in India. Kumar also referred to the progress in bilateral defence and security cooperation, including in areas of maritime security, anti-piracy and counter-terrorism.

Kumar also met a group of Japanese Parliamentarians led by Katsuyuki Kawai, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Diet. Both sides are also looking to expedite a bilateral agreement on social security that would benefit Japanese and Indian companies working in each other's country.

Referring to the forthcoming visit of Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to India later this year, Kumar said India would be privileged to welcome the Majesties. It would be the first-ever visit by the Japanese Emperor and Empress to India.

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