SM Krishna on four-day visit to Japan from Thursday

New Delhi, July 1 (PTI) India's External Affairs Minister
S M Krishna will travel to Japan Thursday for a four-day visit
aimed at pushing the bilateral ties, particularly in trade and
investment sphere against the backdrop of global economic
crisis.

The global meltdown is expected to figure prominently in
the talks that Krishna will have with his counterpart Hirofumi
Nakasone as part of annual strategic dialogue.

"During this visit, the External Affairs Minister will
review our bilateral partnership with Japan. The two Foreign
Ministers will also exchange views on regional and
international issues of mutual interest," a statement by
External Affairs Ministry said.

The two sides would be looking at ways to step up two-way
trade and investment particularly against the backdrop of
global financial crisis.

Krishna and Nakasone are also expected to discuss the
reform of international institutions like the UN and financial
bodies.

The two leaders are expected to discuss approaches to
strengthen bilateral relations between India and Japan as well
as exchange views concerning cooperation between the two
countries towards regional and international challenges, a
statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

India and Japan, both aspirants for permanent membership
of the UN Security Council, are part of a four-nation grouping
that is pushing for expansion of the powerful world body.
Other members of the G-4 are Germany and Brazil.

During his visit, Krishna will also call on Prime
Minister Taro Aso.

The External Affairs Minister will also inaugurate the
new building of Indian Embassy in Tokyo and interact with
members of the Indian community in that country. PTI