|
On September 2, DPJ President Banri Kaieda paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, who was visiting Japan.
At the outset, Kaieda welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Japan and congratulated him on bringing about a change in government for the first time in ten years and on becoming Prime Minister. Kaieda explained that the DPJ-led government was committed to deepening Japan-India relations. He highlighted that as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry at the time, he was involved with the signing of the bilateral economic partnership agreement (EPA) and had a personal commitment to strengthening the economic relations in the areas of investment promotion, infrastructure development including high-speed railway, and rare earth. Kaieda welcomed the steady progress made in these areas as a result of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan.
Kaieda said, “You have a record of turning around the economy of Gujarat State as its Chief Minister, and the expectations on your ability are very high. Despite the change in government in Japan, it remains unchanged that efforts will be made to promote Japan-India friendly relations across party lines. I hope we can develop even closer relations.”
Prime Minister Modi thanked Kaieda and proposed expanding inter-party exchanges between the DPJ and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well as exchanges between Japanese and Indian researchers for deepening understanding between the people of the two countries. Prime Minister Modi asked about facilitating women’s active role in Japanese politics. Kaieda explained the goal of increasing the proportion of seats held by women in the Diet to 30% by 2020.
The DPJ as the largest opposition party will continue to work to strengthen Japan-India relations.
|
