PM Modi, Abe discuss strengthening of Indo-Japan trade, investment ties

Vientiane (Laos), Sept. 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held his first bilateral engagement in Vientiane with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, where both the leaders discussed ways for further strengthening and diversification of trade and investment ties. Prime Minister Modi began by conveying condolences on the recent typhoon as well as the Japanese lives lost in the terror strike in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Abe said Japan was not going to succumb to terrorism and wanted to further strengthen cooperation with India in the area of counterterrorism. Prime Minister Abe said, "Japan has technology and innovation, while India has the power of youth and a huge market. The Indo-Japan partnership could, therefore, produce global products and be a win-win partnership for both." They also reviewed the progress in the Indo-Japan Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement negotiations and the high-speed rail project. Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the consistent support rendered by Japan in India's infrastructure development, technology upgradation and skill building. Prime Minister Abe recalled that 2017 will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Indo-Japan Cultural Agreement and hoped to see more Indian tourists visiting Japan. The two leaders also discussed regional issues and international developments. Prime Minister Abe said he was looking forward to Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan for the Annual Summit and expressed hope that it would promote a new era of Indo-Japan cooperation. Prime Minister Modi arrived on a two-day visit to Vientiane earlier today to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit. (ANI)