Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Statement by PM on his departure to Japan and 7th ASEM Beijing Summit

"I will be visiting Japan from October 22-23 for the Annual Summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan.

I consider our bilateral relations with Japan to be one of the most important bilateral relationships we have. India and Japan are two major countries in Asia, sharing many similar interests and subscribing to common values. A strong India-Japan relationship will play a significant role in the emerging Asian security architecture and will contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and the world.

During my visit in Japan I will have the honour to call on Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan. In my discussions with Prime Minister Taro Aso, who is a close friend of India, we will review the progress that has been achieved in our bilateral ties over the last one year and set the agenda for the next year. Even though over the last four years there has been significant progress in all aspects of our bilateral relationship, there is still a lot of untapped potential that remains to be realised.

Japan is an important economic partner for India. The second meeting of the India-Japan Business Leaders Forum will be held on the sidelines of my visit. I look forward to addressing a gathering of Japan's business leaders being organized by the Nippon Keidanren.

After my visit to Japan, I will be traveling to Beijing for the 7th ASEM Summit. This will be the first time India will be participating in an ASEM Summit. Our participation in this Summit is a natural corollary of our close and growing ties with countries in Asia and Europe.

On the margins of the ASEM Summit, in addition to meeting President Hu Jintao, I will have the opportunity to meet with other world leaders, including President Purvanov of Bulgaria, President Enkhbayar of Mongolia, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Berlusconi of Italy and Prime Minister Nguyan Tan Dung of Vietnam."