faizahmad
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On the eve of the biggest bilateral talks covering economy, security and nuclear energy between Japan and India, Japanese foreign minister Koichiro Gemba speaks to Indrani Bagchi about Japan and India working to achieve peace in this region.
What are the issues of interest to Japan in the forthcoming strategic dialogue?
I am visiting India for the sixth dialogue which has been a regular feature since 2007. I intend to discuss with Mr S M Krishna ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in political and security fields as well as on issues related to environment and energy security.
The recent launch of a missile, claimed to be "a satellite", by North Korea is an act of serious provocation damaging the stability of the region. It is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan appreciates the constructive role played by India in negotiating and issuing the Security Council's Presidential Statement. I hope to continue to cooperate with India to prevent further acts of provocation by North Korea.
During the recent visit of Mr Thein Sein, President of Myanmar, to Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda encouraged Myanmar's efforts for further reforms and committed Japan's support to Myanmar which is undergoing a process of democratization and national reconciliation. I look forward to exchanging views with India, which also supports Myanmar's reforms.
Japan will be hosting the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in July. I want to discuss ways to achieve development in Afghanistan in a sustainable manner with minister Krishna. Since India extends sizeable assistance to Afghanistan, I believe our conversation is indispensable to the success of this conference.
What do you see as the economic convergences between Japan and India?
As the third largest economy in Asia and a high-growth economy, India is a very important trade and investment partner for Japan. However, the current level of trade and investment between Japan and India is still very limited.
In August, 2011, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and India (CEPA) came into force. The number of Japanese companies in India has been growing every year. Thus, on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-India diplomatic relations, we are holding the first Japan-India Ministerial-level Economic Dialogue. This has special importance for the future of our economic relationship. We will talk about the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Infrastructure Development in South India and cooperation on rare earths. We want to make good progress on these issues before the next annual summit.
How does India and Japan cooperate in the area of maritime security?
Japan shares a number of strategic interests with India, which is situated almost midway on the sea lane of communications connecting West Asia and Japan. Therefore, India is an extremely important partner. Various frameworks for bilateral dialogues exist, such as Vice-Minister/Secretary level "2+2" Dialogue and Comprehensive Security Dialogue. We also started a unique trilateral consultation among Japan, India and the US last year, where the three countries exchange views on various regional and global issues as well as on security cooperation.
Japan and India work together in maritime security, including anti-piracy operations in Asia and off the coast of Somalia. Our Coast Guards conducted joint exercises near Chennai in January. Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy will conduct their first bilateral maritime exercises this year. We plan to work with each other in the emerging areas of cyber security and outer space.
When will we see progress on the civil nuclear agreement?
At their summit meeting in December, Prime Minister Noda and Prime Minister Singh agreed to advance negotiations on a Japan-India Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Japan undertakes these negotiations with due regard to nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
This is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. Where do you want to see the bilateral relationship in the next decade?
Since the start of the diplomatic relations in 1952, Japan and India have maintained excellent friendly relations. In particular, since the establishment of the Japan-India Global Partnership in 2000, our two countries have strengthened cooperation in various fields.
While Asia is witnessing remarkable economic growth, our region faces many security challenges. I am convinced that by strengthening "open and multilayered networks" we will be able to consolidate peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan would like to cooperate with India not only by promoting bilateral and trilateral dialogues, but also by collaborating in the regional frameworks such as East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum
'Japan, India can restore peace, stability in Asia-Pacific region' - The Times of India
What are the issues of interest to Japan in the forthcoming strategic dialogue?
I am visiting India for the sixth dialogue which has been a regular feature since 2007. I intend to discuss with Mr S M Krishna ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in political and security fields as well as on issues related to environment and energy security.
The recent launch of a missile, claimed to be "a satellite", by North Korea is an act of serious provocation damaging the stability of the region. It is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan appreciates the constructive role played by India in negotiating and issuing the Security Council's Presidential Statement. I hope to continue to cooperate with India to prevent further acts of provocation by North Korea.
During the recent visit of Mr Thein Sein, President of Myanmar, to Japan, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda encouraged Myanmar's efforts for further reforms and committed Japan's support to Myanmar which is undergoing a process of democratization and national reconciliation. I look forward to exchanging views with India, which also supports Myanmar's reforms.
Japan will be hosting the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in July. I want to discuss ways to achieve development in Afghanistan in a sustainable manner with minister Krishna. Since India extends sizeable assistance to Afghanistan, I believe our conversation is indispensable to the success of this conference.
What do you see as the economic convergences between Japan and India?
As the third largest economy in Asia and a high-growth economy, India is a very important trade and investment partner for Japan. However, the current level of trade and investment between Japan and India is still very limited.
In August, 2011, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and India (CEPA) came into force. The number of Japanese companies in India has been growing every year. Thus, on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-India diplomatic relations, we are holding the first Japan-India Ministerial-level Economic Dialogue. This has special importance for the future of our economic relationship. We will talk about the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Infrastructure Development in South India and cooperation on rare earths. We want to make good progress on these issues before the next annual summit.
How does India and Japan cooperate in the area of maritime security?
Japan shares a number of strategic interests with India, which is situated almost midway on the sea lane of communications connecting West Asia and Japan. Therefore, India is an extremely important partner. Various frameworks for bilateral dialogues exist, such as Vice-Minister/Secretary level "2+2" Dialogue and Comprehensive Security Dialogue. We also started a unique trilateral consultation among Japan, India and the US last year, where the three countries exchange views on various regional and global issues as well as on security cooperation.
Japan and India work together in maritime security, including anti-piracy operations in Asia and off the coast of Somalia. Our Coast Guards conducted joint exercises near Chennai in January. Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy will conduct their first bilateral maritime exercises this year. We plan to work with each other in the emerging areas of cyber security and outer space.
When will we see progress on the civil nuclear agreement?
At their summit meeting in December, Prime Minister Noda and Prime Minister Singh agreed to advance negotiations on a Japan-India Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Japan undertakes these negotiations with due regard to nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
This is the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. Where do you want to see the bilateral relationship in the next decade?
Since the start of the diplomatic relations in 1952, Japan and India have maintained excellent friendly relations. In particular, since the establishment of the Japan-India Global Partnership in 2000, our two countries have strengthened cooperation in various fields.
While Asia is witnessing remarkable economic growth, our region faces many security challenges. I am convinced that by strengthening "open and multilayered networks" we will be able to consolidate peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan would like to cooperate with India not only by promoting bilateral and trilateral dialogues, but also by collaborating in the regional frameworks such as East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum
'Japan, India can restore peace, stability in Asia-Pacific region' - The Times of India
