PIB

Joint Statement on the Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan

August 22, 2007

New Delhi

The Prime Minister of Japan, H. E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, is currently paying an Official Visit to India from August 21 to 23, 2007 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, H. E. Dr. Manmohan Singh. He is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Akie Abe and a high-level official delegation, members of Business Leaders Forum as well as about 200 members Japanese Economic Mission.

Prime Minister Abe was accorded a ceremonial welcome on August 22. Prime Minister Abe paid a courtesy call to the President of India and addressed the Indian Parliament. He had extensive talks with Prime Minister Singh, who will also be hosting a Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Prime Minister Abe attended the meeting for university collaboration which was held with the participation of vice chancellors/presidents of prominent universities of both countries. Indo-Japan friendship organisations hosted a reception, and Indian economic organisations hosted a luncheon for Prime Minister Abe. Prime Minister Abe will visit Kolkata and will attend the Opening Ceremony of India-Japan Culture Centre.

The two leaders shared the view that the visit of Prime Minister Singh to Japan as well as the decision to establish the Strategic and Global Partnership last December elevated the partnership between the two countries to a new level. India and Japan share universal values of democracy, open society, human rights, rule of law and market economy and share common interest in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. Based on this recognition, the two leaders reaffirmed that the India-Japan partnership is a bilateral relationship with the largest potential for growth. The two leaders set-forth a Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership.

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