Indian PM embarks on 5-day visit to Japan, Thailand

NEW DELHI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday embarked on a five-day visit to Japan and Thailand, saying that the tour is aimed at giving a new dimension to India's "Look East" policy.

"My visits to Japan and Thailand will add depth and new meaning to our 'Look East' policy and contribute to peace, prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," said Singh who will be in Japan for the first three days before going to Thailand Thursday.

Saying that his Japan visit would invigorate New Delhi's relations with Tokyo in the political, security and energy spheres, the Indian prime minister noted, "We will explore ways to harness the full potential of our Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership by intensifying and balancing our two-way trade and investment linkages."

"There is a growing congruence in our interests and I see this relationship as an essential component of our vision for enduring stability and prosperity in Asia," he added.

Singh called Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe his "good friend" and said that he "will build on the momentum imparted by successive summits to the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership."

"The visit will also allow the two governments to take stock of the progress in flagship projects in our partnership, like the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and to facilitate bilateral engagement for meaningful and mutually beneficial association," he said in his departure statement.

Singh, who is accompanied by his wife, is also scheduled to meet the Japanese Emperor and Empress during their visit. "As on every previous visit to Japan, I look forward to a gracious audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan, " he said.

Talking about his scheduled meeting with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Bangkok during the last leg of his visit, Singh said, "Thailand is an important bilateral partner as well as a regional leader situated at the heart of ASEAN. During my talks with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, I will carry forward the new dynamics in our relations since her milestone visit to India as the Chief Guest at our Republic Day in 2012."

"Thailand and India share centuries-old people-to-people, cultural and spiritual ties. Being maritime neighbors, we also share common interests in maritime security. Our defense and security cooperation with Thailand is progressing well and it will be my effort to further enhance it during my visit."