ProMASS News Bureau; Sep 07, 2016: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held his first bilateral meeting in Vientiane with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of India-ASEAN and East Asia summits. The two leaders discussed further strengthening and diversification of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The two leaders also reviewed the progress in the India-Japan Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement negotiations and the high-speed rail project.
Appreciating Japan’s consistent support in India’s infrastructure development, technology upgradation and skill building, PM said Japan has technology and innovation while India has the power of youth and a huge market. Therefore, India-Japan partnership could produce global products and be a win-win partnership for both. PM Modi also conveyed condolences on the recent typhoon as well as the Japanese lives lost in the terror strike in Bangladesh.
On his part, Japanese Prime Minister Abe said Japan was not going to succumb to terrorism and wanted to further strengthen cooperation with India in the area of counter terrorism. He also said that he was looking forward to PM’s visit to Japan for the Annual Summit.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Laos on a two-day visit to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits. Prime Minister is expected to pitch for expanding trade ties with the powerful grouping besides enhancing overall cooperation at the 14th India-ASEAN summit scheduled for Thursday in Laos capital, Vientiane.
Discussions will be carried out for furthering cooperation between India & ASEAN countries in Agriculture, Climate Change, Non-traditional security areas, and cyber crimes and strengthening connectivity. PM will also attend the 11th East Asia Summit which is likely to deliberate on issues related to security and threat of terrorism. PM Modi has described ASEAN as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy in his departure statement. He has also expressed the wish to enhance India’s physical and digital connectivity with the region.
