Indo-Japan ties a splendid example, says Krishna

New Delhi, Dec 28 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Wednesday said the India-Japan bilateral relationship is a splendid example of a successful and effective foreign policy working for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

In his opening remarks during address by the Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihiko Noda, on India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership, Krishna said: "I am strongly of the view that the India-Japan bilateral relationship is a splendid example of a successful and effective foreign policy working for the benefit of the people of the two countries. We also are extremely privileged as Prime Minister Noda is addressing us at a time when our two countries are set to celebrate the year 2012 as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations."

"I am confident that Prime Minister Noda's message and vision for the future of our relations, both at the bilateral as well as at the global level, will find great resonance and meaning with the people of India," he added.

Emphasising that the two sides have much to celebrate in the bilateral relationship, Krishna said: "Although India-Japan relations have roots in history, the contemporary and dynamic nature of our engagement makes it one of the important pillars of strength for the global order."

"The strength of our relationship lies not only in the past but also very much in the modern ideals of democracy, freedom of expression, human rights and rule of law. This provides us the conviction and moral authority to work closely together for the benefit of our peoples," he added.

Krishna further said the relations between India and Japan have transcended the bilateral context and have acquired relevance for maintaining regional and global peace, security and well-being.

"Accordingly, it gives me great pleasure to note that the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership for peace and prosperity is being continuously energized and invigorated with new dimensions as we jointly countenance the challenges of the 21st century," said Krishna.

"There are various aspects of our bilateral relationship, which are unique to India and Japan, such as effective utilization of overseas development assistance and have now become the model for similar cooperation with other countries," he added.

Stating that India has great admiration for Japan and the people of Japan, Krishna said: "India and Japan may be geographically far apart, but I believe that our two countries live in the hearts and minds of our peoples."

The External Affairs Minister further said India's appreciation of the strength and resilience of the Japanese people rose when we witnessed how you dealt with consequences of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

"Our appreciation of the strength and resilience of the Japanese people rose when we witnessed how you dealt with consequences of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. We are even more impressed by your response to the tragedy and by your determination to maintain the level of development assistance to India," said Krishna.

"Japan's support has helped us to make a difference to the lives of many people in India. Just across the street from where we are standing Mr. Prime Minister, stands a lasting symbol of India-Japan cooperation i.e. the airport express line of the Delhi Metro," he added.

Asserting that cooperative endeavours are taking shape all over the country and will change India's economic and social landscape forever, Krishna said: "The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project and the Delhi and Bengaluru Metros are outstanding projects, which touch the lives of people and bring home the fruits of a responsive foreign policy."

The Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihiko Noda, is presently on a two-day sate visit to India to participate in the 60th year of diplomatic ties between the two nations. (ANI)