Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation today with his outgoing Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe (Archive)
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation today with his outgoing Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and expressed his gratitude for playing a key role in strengthening ties between India and Japan.
In the talks, Prime Minister Modi informed Shinzo Abe of his intention to work closely with Japan’s new government and wished him the best for the future, the Foreign Ministry said.
He said the two leaders expressed confidence that the strong momentum achieved in the partnership between the two countries in recent years will continue unabated in the future.
Last month, Shinzo Abe decided to resign, citing health problems.
“Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Abe for his personal commitment and leadership to greatly strengthen the relationship between the two countries,” the MEA said.
The two leaders also welcomed the signing of a reciprocal logistical support agreement between the Indian Armed Forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
“They agreed that the agreement will further enhance the depth of defense cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region,” the MEA said.
“I made a phone call to my dear friend @AbeShinzo to wish him good health and happiness. I deeply appreciate our long partnership. His leadership and commitment have been vital in taking the India-Japan partnership to new heights. I am confident that this momentum will continue on the next few years, “Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
After years of negotiations, India and Japan on Wednesday signed the landmark agreement that will allow their armies access to each other’s bases for logistical support.
Reaffirming their mutual trust and friendship, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe recalled their experiences shared during visits to each other’s countries, the MEA said.
He said the two leaders reviewed the status of ongoing cooperation, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project (MAHSR), within the framework of the Global India-Japan Special Strategic Partnership.
They agreed that the strong and lasting partnership between the two countries will play a critical role in charting the course of the global community in the post-COVID world.
The MEA said the two leaders expressed appreciation for the support provided to citizens residing in each other’s countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed that such efforts must continue to sustain the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. . .
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