PM arrives in Japan for two-day bilateral visit

Ajay Kaul
Tokyo, Oct 24 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
on Sunday arrived here on the first leg of his three-nation
visit, during which he would hold talks with his Japanese
counterpart Naoto Kan on a range of issues, including civil
nuclear energy cooperation.
Singh is in Japan for a two-day visit and will proceed
from here to Malaysia and later Vietnam for ASEAN-India and
East Asia Summits.
In Tokyo, Singh will discuss civil nuclear energy
cooperation with Kan, besides security cooperation and ways to
enhance economic ties and joint infrastructure projects being
carried out in India.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said:
"The tradition of Annual Summits with Japan has resulted in a
strong, vibrant and multi-dimensional relationship between
India and Japan.
"Strengthening of the India-Japan Strategic and Global
Partnership enjoys fullest support across the political
spectrum in both our countries and is a factor of peace,
prosperity and stability in Asia and the world," he said.
Noting that Japan is a major economic partner of
India, Singh said the country has embarked upon mega
infrastructure projects with Japanese assistance which have
the potential of transforming the 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
said.
During the visit, an announcement will be made on
conclusion of negotiations on Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which India says will lead to a
"win-win" situation.
The agreement will not be signed during the visit as
Japan needs to complete certain internal processes, like
clearance from its Parliament (Diet) which will take some
time.
With regard to the proposed civil nuclear cooperation
agreement, the two sides have held two rounds of negotiations
and more would be required before it is signed. The next round
will be held in November.
Singh and Kan will also discuss regional and
international issues like UN reforms for which both the
countries are pushing for their membership under the G-4
grouping. PTI