Krishna inaugurates new chancery building of Indian embassy

Sagar Kulkarni

Tokyo, Jul 4 (PTI) Indian External Affairs Minister S
M Krishna Saturday inaugurated the new chancery building of
the Indian embassy here, describing it as a "fitting symbol"
of the expanding partnership between India and Japan.

Located in sylvan surroundings of the famed
cherry-blossom boulevard, the chancery is a stone's throw away
from the Yasukuni shrine and opposite the Imperial Palace of
the Emperor of Japan.

"This new building is a fitting symbol of the
expanding partnership between our two countries and a
reflection of India as a modern and great nation," said
Krishna, who is here on a four-day visit.

Considered as an architectural marvel, the new
building meets the functional requirements of the embassy and
also adds a touch of elegance.

"During my brief tour of the excellent facilities
offered by this new Chancery, I have been struck by the care
and attention that has gone into ensuring the highest
standards of design and execution," he said.

He said the building and its cultural centre will be a
base for Japanese friends and the Indian community for
strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

Krishna said the Ministry of External Affairs has
given priority attention to augmenting the infrastructure of
our diplomatic missions abroad in keeping with the changing
global environment and the great transformations which are
taking place in India.

India and Japan Friday agreed to cooperate on pressing
global issues of climate change, disarmament and
non-proliferation while moving ahead in negotiations to stitch
a comprehensive economic partnership pact.

Krishna held wide-ranging discussions with the
Japanese side on the entire gamut of bilateral relations
during the third strategic dialogue he co-chaired with his
counterpart Hirofumi Nakasone. He also called on the Japanese
Prime Minister Taro Aso Friday. PTI