FILE PHOTO

AMN / WEB DESK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Mr Abe for his personal commitment and leadership in greatly strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Reaffirming their mutual trust and friendship, the two leaders recalled their shared experiences during visits to each other’s countries.

The two leaders reviewed the status of ongoing cooperation, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic & Global Partnership. They agreed that the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries will play a critical role in charting the course for the global community in the post-COVID world.

They welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Indian Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The leaders concurred that the Agreement will further enhance the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

They expressed appreciation for the support provided to resident citizens in each other’s countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed that such efforts must be continued to sustain the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The leaders expressed confidence that the strong momentum attained by the India-Japan partnership in the last few years will continue unabated in the future. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his intention to work closely with the new government of Japan and wished Prime Minister Abe the very best for the future.