New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday described the India-Japan partnership as a 'partnership of immense importance' as it has been rooted in our shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for rule of law.
Jaishankar was making his opening remarks at the 2+2 dialogue held by India and Japan in Tokyo to review 'bilateral cooperation across domains'. Reasserting continued mutual cooperation, he said, "India-Japan partnership is a partnership of immense importance. It is rooted in our shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for rule of law".
Elaborating on the partnership, the Minister said, "The strategic aspects of the relationship have gained new meaning in recent years, reflected in our recent bilateral and plurilateral engagements. The recent meeting of our leaders reaffirmed the continuity and strength of our relationship". "We have witnessed in recent times very serious developments, especially since our last meeting in 2019. The Covid pandemic and ongoing conflicts demand that we address these new challenges", he said during the dialogue.
Jaishankar noted that energy security and food security have emerged as particularly pressing issues, adding that as responsible members of the international community, India has worked tirelessly, in extending humanitarian aid, medicines, vaccines, food grains, and many other forms of assistance. "As we face these challenges, it is important we work collectively to find common solutions through the path of dialogue and diplomacy", he said.