GLOBAL PARTENRSHIP ANNOUNCED BY JAPAN AND INDIA
15 Dec 06. Joint Statement: Towards India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership
1. The Prime Minister of India, H E Dr Manmohan Singh, is payed an Official Visit to Japan from December 13 to 16, 2006 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, H E Mr Shinzo Abe. He is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Gursharan Kaur and a high-level delegation.
2. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was accorded a ceremonial welcome on December 14. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Gursharan Kaur had audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan. He held extensive talks with Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe of Japan, who also hosted a Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. He addressed a Joint Session of the Diet on December 14. Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Koji Omi, Minister for Finance and Mr. Akira Amari, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry called on the Prime Minister of India. Mr. Yoshiro Mori, former Prime Minister and President of Indo-Japanese Association and Dr. Taro Nakayama, President of Japan-Indo Parliamentarians’ Friendship League also called on the Prime Minister of India. The two Prime Ministers unveiled the Joint Logo and launched the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007, to be organised in both countries, and attended the inaugural event of the Festival of India in Japan on December 14. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also addressed the business organisations of Japan at a luncheon meeting. Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe received representatives of the Indian business delegation who accompanied Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Mr. Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Mr. Akihiro Ota, Chief Representative of New Komeito will call on the Prime Minister of India on December 16.
3. The two leaders recall the impressive development of India-Japan relations in recent years, noting in particular the establishment of a Global Partnership in 2000 during Prime Minister Mr. Yoshiro Mori’s visit to India and the decision taken last year during Prime Minister Mr. Junichiro Koizumi’s visit to India to reinforce the strategic orientation of the partnership. They also note with satisfaction the all-round progress made towards the implementation of the Joint Statement on the ‘India-Japan Partnership in a New Asian Era: Strategic Orientation of the India-Japan Global Partnership’ and the ‘Eight-fold Initiative for Strengthening India-Japan Global Partnership’, signed between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on April 29, 2005 in New Delhi, and reaffirm the principles and understandings embodied in these documents. Strategic and Global Partnership:
4. The two Prime Ministers recall that India and Japan share ancient bonds and a proud civilisational heritage. The current context of India-Japan relations is rooted in their similar perceptions of the evolving environment in the region and the world at large. It is driven by converging long-term political, economic and strategic interests, aspirations and concerns and underpinned by a common commitment to democracy, open society, human rights, rule of law and free market economy. It is based on deep respect for each other’s contributions in promoting peace, stability and development in Asia and beyond, unencumbered by any historical differences.
5. The two leaders affirm that India and Japan are natural partners as the largest and most developed democracies of Asia, with a mutual stake in each other’s progress and prosperity. Indeed, a strong, prosperous and dynamic India is in the interest of Japan, and likewise, a strong, prosperous and dynamic Japan is in the interest of India. They have responsibility for, and are capable of, responding to global and regional challenges, and they must play an active role in the promotion of peace and stability in Asia and world at large. Recognising that Asia is emerging as the leading growth