Abe misses N-word, talks of ‘broader Asia’

Agencies
Posted: 2007-08-22 00:00:00+05:30 IST
Updated: Aug 22, 2007 at 1316 hrs IST

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‘India keen on finalising CEPA by 2007-end’Abe misses N-word, talks of ‘broader Asia’ ...

on let us together bear this weighty responsibility that has been entrusted to us, by joining forces with like-minded countries," Abe said, adding defence officials and diplomats of India and Japan should consider what the two countries can do jointly. Paying tribute to the Indian democracy and its march to achieve high economic growth surmounting challenges and difficulties like poverty, he said, "the world has its eyes focussed on you.” Observing that the bilateral relations are blessed with the "largest potential" for development, Abe said a strong India is in the best interest of Japan and a strong Japan is in the best interest of India. Noting that he was accompanied by about 200 executives from major Japanese companies, he said the amount of trade between the two countries will be increasing dramatically in the immediate future and in the next three years, the volume can be expected to reach USD 20 billion. Favouring early conclusion of CEPA, the Japanese Prime Minister asked his country's negotiators to work in this direction which will set an example for the world. "I likewise urge the Indian side to give their support to enable the early conclusion of this high quality agreement," he said. Referring to the ambitious plans to connect Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata with freight corridor, he noted that Singh has demonstrated "great enthusiasm" in executing these Japan-aided projects. Final reports of the feasibility studies will be drawn up in two months, Abe said while describing it as a project of "tremendous significance" for which Japan is actively considering means for financial assistance. He said Japan will also closely cooperate in establishment of a dedicated fund for the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor for which the Dedicated Freight Corridor between the two metro cities will serve as the backbone. Abe, the youngest Prime Minister of Japan, spoke about the urgent need to fight climate change and cut global emission of greenhouse gases by 50 per cent by 2050. He sought India's cooperation for realising his vision of 'Cool Earth 2050' while stressing the need for walking down the "difficult but unavoidable" road where a balance can be struck between economic growth and fight against climate change. Talking about the post-Kyoto framework, he said it would have to move beyond the current Protocol and the framework must be flexible and diverse, taking into consideration the circumstances of each country. "The structure must achieve compatibility between environmental protection and economic growth by utilizing advances in technologies...