"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Joint Press Release, Meeting between Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence and Mr. Kazuo Kitagawa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan

[Place] Tokyo
[Date] May 26, 2006
[Source] Ministry of External Affairs, India
[Notes]
[Full text]

H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Defence of India, currently on official visit to Japan held discussions with H.E. Mr. Kazuo Kitagawa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan on 26th May 2006. Their discussions covered all issues of mutual interest, with particular focus on maritime security and Coast Guard cooperation.

The Ministers noted that India and Japan share a common understanding on the issue of maritime safety and security in the areas of mutual interest as well as in the interest of Asia and the international community.

Both sides reaffirmed the desire to enhance cooperation between the two countries and on measures to tackle transnational organized crimes at sea such as piracy, armed robbery, illegal arms and drug trafficking, illegal migration, cooperation in search and rescue operations, and protection of marine environment.

The Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the close cooperation between the two Coast Guards and directed that the Coast Guards should enhance their cooperation, including through: holding of annual Coast Guards' talks; regular exchange of visits; exchange of Coast Guard ship visits; holding of combined exercises for anti-piracy, search and rescue, disaster relief and other areas of mutual interest. The Ministers shared the views that, in the future, further possibility of interaction between the two Coast Guards will be considered.

In order to further enhance and strengthen cooperation between the Coast Guards of India and Japan, the Ministers agreed on early finalization of the proposed Memorandum of Cooperation between the two Coast Guards.

The Minister of Defence of India thanked the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan for receiving him warmly. He extended a cordial invitation to H.E. Mr. Kazuo Kitagawa, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to visit India. In response to the invitation, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is expected to visit India at a mutually convenient date.

Tokyo

May 26, 2006