The leaders of Japan and India have agreed that their countries will continue to work closely together for peace and stability in the international community.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for about 30 minutes in Laos on Thursday on the sidelines of meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. They met for the first time since Ishiba took office earlier this month.
The leaders concurred that Japan and India are partners that share basic values, such as democracy and the rule of law.
They said they hope to advance cooperation in a broad array of areas, including the economy, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Ishiba said relations between the two countries have developed tremendously thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and other people concerned.
The Japanese leader said he wants to further develop bilateral ties under the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership.”
He stated he also hopes to move forward concrete cooperation in preparation for Modi’s visit to Japan.