New Delhi, Jan 11: A Parliamentary delegation from Japan, headed by President, House of Councillors of the Diet of Japan Chuichi Date, on Friday called on Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha said, "India and Japan are traditional, strategic and special friends. India accords the highest priority to India-Japan relationship which is deep rooted and historical going back to the 6th Century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan.’’
Stating that relationship between India and Japan is based on common values of freedom, peace and Democracy, he said, "both the countries are partners in the pursuit of peace, development, prosperity and stability in the region. Our bilateral relations were upgraded to ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ during the visit of our Prime Minister to Japan in 2014 and have been constantly strengthened through mutual efforts.’’
Referring to Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe in 2018 as ‘very productive’, covering areas as diverse as economic cooperation, maritime security, new and digital technologies, and healthcare partnership, he said,’’ it underscores our belief that India-Japan relationship is a defining partnership of the 21st century."
Mr Harivansh said that partnership between India and Japan today goes beyond bilateral relation extending our cooperation at global platforms on issues of mutual concerns that range from UNSC reforms, counter terrorism, climate change, renewable energy, civil nuclear energy and so on.’’
Highlighting the importance of Parliamentary Exchanges in promoting and sustaining mutual understanding between the two countries, Mr Harivansh mentioned about formation of Parliamentary Friendship Group for Japan in Indian Parliament and Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship League (JIPFL), etc.
He also referred to an agreement between the two countries in 2017 to cooperate in promoting Japanese language education in India. Under this initiative, a Japanese Language Teachers’ Training Centre has been established in New Delhi.
Appreciating Japan’s role in India’s economic transformation, Mr Harivansh said ,’’there is immense untapped scope for Japanese companies to participate in different sectors of the Indian economy, particularly in flagship initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities, etc. He also referred to Japan’s support for key infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Railway project, Dedicated Freight Corridor, Delhi Metro, etc.’’
He also wished all success to Japan in holding a number of important events in 2019 including the G-20 Summit.
Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was also present in the meeting, appreciated Japan's significant contribution in India's economic development and also suggested that Upper Houses of the Parliament of two countries should sign agreement to promote and strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
The delegation, led by Mr Chuichi Date, appreciated the friendly relationship between the two countries and expressed the hope that such visit would strengthen the existing bonds.
He also extended the invitation to Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to visit Japan. (UNI)