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On May 29, DPJ President Banri Kaieda met with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at a Tokyo venue. The following is based on comments made by Kaieda to the press following the meeting.
During the 30 minute meeting, Kaieda expressed his appreciation for the development in the economic cooperation between the two nations, something that had been promoted under the auspices of the DPJ administration. He also commented that “Japan and India share a long and friendly relationship,” and repeated his gratitude for the assistance that India had provided at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Singh said, “India is eager to deepen relations with all political parties and administrations in Japan.” He also referred to the deepening of the strategic global partnership between Japan and India. Kaieda stated, “As an opposition party, we would also like to provide support for government-to-government cooperation.”
Furthermore, Kaieda expressed the wish that Japan and India would be able to engage in cooperation with respect to rare earths, which are important to Japanese industry. Singh also stated that he hoped India could engage in joint enterprises with Japan in this field.
Singh referred to bilateral defence cooperation, and in relation to this, Kaieda expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided when JSDF vessels call at Indian ports while engaging in the anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia.
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