The Hindu : International / India & World : India, Japan discuss `seamless cooperation'

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Friday, Mar 23, 2007
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International - India & World

India, Japan discuss `seamless cooperation'

P.S. Suryanarayana

Emerging defence and security ties emphasised

— Photo: AP

FOR ASIAN PEACE: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Thursday.

SINGAPORE: India and Japan on Thursday agreed to "work seamlessly together" to create a peaceful and prosperous Asia and strengthen bilateral linkages across the board.

This was the overarching outcome of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders in Tokyo, according to Japanese officials. The importance of the emerging defence and security ties between the two countries was emphasised within the framework of Tokyo's "new diplomatic initiative" for creating "an arc of freedom and prosperity."

Mr. Abe spoke of the need for countries with common values of freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights to work together. He cited India and Japan as partners with such values, according to the Indian side.

The meeting between Mr. Mukherjee and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso took place in the context of the newly evolving "strategic dialogue" between the two sides.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Mr. Mukherjee emphasised the need for the broadest possible bilateral exchanges at high levels.

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