His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 12, 2015).

WelcomingMr. Shinzo Abe, the President said India attaches high value to its partnership with Japan and considers Japan a key strategic partner. Bilateral relations between India and Japan have been strengthened through efforts of successive Governments in both countries. Japan is a major partner in infrastructure development of India. The projects that have been undertaken through Japanese Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) have directly impacted in a positive way the lives of ordinary Indians. India would like to see an expansion of ODA projects and more Japanese business activities as well as an enhancement in the flow of FDI into India. He said India’s current growth rate provides opportunities and he was confident that the Japanese private sector will seize these opportunities.

The Japanese Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President’s sentiments and paid tribute to the President on his contributions over the years to India-Japan relations. He conveyed condolences and support to the victims of the floods in Chennai. The Japanese Prime Minister said relations between the two countries are built on common values and strategic interests. Cooperation between the two countries is important for the peace and security of the entire India-Pacific region.

This release issued at 1740 hrs.