By M.R. Narayan Swamy, IANS,
Hua Hin (Thailand): Japanese Prime Minister Yudio Hatoyama Saturday said his country desired better economic and defence ties with India.
He made the observation at his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia summits in this Thai resort.
According to Indian officials, Manmohan Singh underscored the importance of early finalisation of major economic initiatives the two countries have jointly begun.
He referred in particular to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Hatoyama said he attached importance to the realisation of all these projects “as symbols of cooperation between Japan and India”.
The two prime ministers agreed to work together “in a positive and constructive way” on the issue of climate change, the officials said.
Besides attending the seventh India-ASEAN summit, Manmohan Singh will meet leaders of seven countries in the region. He will also take part in the fourth East Asia Summit Sunday before flying home.