Recognising the pivotal role that economic cooperation between the two countries played in steering their bilateral ties forward, India and Japan on Saturday agreed on the need to enhance dialogue between their foreign offices on several issues, as both sides felt that they had a mutual stake in each other's prosperity and progress.
During the 4th round of the India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, led by External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna and Foreign Minister Okada respectively, among other issues discussions on global issues like climate change, non-proliferation and disarmament were also held.
India appreciated Japan's decision to commence negotiations on a bilateral Agreement on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
Addressing reporters at a joint press interaction with Japanese Foreign Minister Okada, Mr. Krishna said: "We also discussed regional issues of interest to both India and Japan. We also agreed to enhance dialogue between the Foreign Offices of our two countries on several regions," said Krishna and added: "We decided to embark on a new Dialogue on Africa, with a view to synergizing our developmental efforts in that continent." Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said India was aware of the sensitivities reflected in some viewpoints expressed in that country and it was appreciative of those viewpoints but it was up to the government of Japan to take care of such issues.
"The two sides have decided to work towards a good working pact in the area, creating a win-win situation for both the countries. And there is no timeline to it," he said.
Before his departure from Tokyo, Okada told a press conference that he will discuss with the Indian leadership issues such as bilateral civilian nuclear cooperation pact and a free trade agreement, negotiations for which are on.
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