Phnom Penh, Nov. 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda discussed bilateral issues during their meeting in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh today.
According to official sources, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed happiness at being able to meet Dr. Singh to underline the close 'Strategic and Global Partnership' between the two countries. Noda said that he wanted to discuss the next steps forward in the relationship since they could not meet in Tokyo for the Annual Summit due to domestic developments in Japan.
He emphasised on the political and defence dialogue, the ongoing cooperation between the navies and coast guards.
Noda informed Dr. Singh that Japan would be announcing the second round of Yen loans under ODA for the second phase of the DFC and a third infrastructural project in South India, where Japanese companies have a good presence. In the course of the discussion, he also mentioned Japanese interest in continuing the consultation on the high-speed railways.
Dr. Singh welcomed the ongoing projects under the ODA, but emphasised that India's priority is investment by Japanese business in infrastructure projects. He referred to the DMRC as a fine example, which other cities too want to emulate.
Both the Prime Ministers expressed happiness on the signing of the 'MoU on Rare Earths and the Agreement on Social Security' signed on November16 in Tokyo.
The two Prime Ministers, who met ahead of the East Asia Summit at the 'Peace Palace' here today, earlier yesterday had a discussion on regional and international issues during the Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)
