Hiroshima: Prime Minister Modi today (Saturday) met South Korean President Eun Suk Yeol, also known as the Republic of Korea. The meeting was held in between participation in the G7 summit in Japan.
During the meeting, the leaders reviewed the progress of the Special Center Partnership between India and the Republic of Korea and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including trade and investment, high technology, information technology, hardware manufacturing, defense, semiconductors and culture.
The leaders noted that the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be celebrated this year and expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting, Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his appreciation and support for the G20 organization led by Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister noted that he was looking forward to President Yun’s visit to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in India in September this year. The Prime Minister welcomed the Republic of Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which is of great importance to India. The leaders also exchanged views on regional development.
Meeting with Prime Minister of Japan: Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Hiroshima. This is their second meeting after the meeting in March this year when Japanese Prime Minister Kishida visited India.
During the meeting they discussed ways to coordinate efforts of G-20 and G-7 leadership and strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders then exchanged views on contemporary regional developments and the Prime Minister emphasized the need to highlight the concerns and priorities of the Global South.
The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral special strategic and global partnership. During the discussion between the two leaders, the focus was on education, skill development, tourism, eco-friendly lifestyle, green hydrogen, high technology, semiconductors, digital public infrastructure. Eradication of terrorism and reform of the United Nations were also discussed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi thanked Japanese Prime Minister Kishida for planting the Bodhi tree saplings gifted by him in March in Hiroshima. Pointing out that the Indian Parliament commemorates Hiroshima Day every year, the Prime Minister also noted that Japanese ambassadors are participating in the event.
Conversations with Japanese dignitaries: During his visit to Hiroshima for the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi met eminent Japanese industrialists Dr. Tomio Mizogami and Hiroko Takayama.
Dr. Tomio Mizogami, a professor at Osaka University, is a renowned author and linguist. Proficient in Hindi and Punjabi. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018 for his contribution to the promotion of Indian literature and culture in Japan. He presented the famous book “Jwalamukhi” to the Prime Minister.
Born in Hiroshima, Ms. Hiroko Takayama is a Western style painter. His works are strongly influenced by his deep connection with India spanning more than two decades. He has conducted many training courses and exhibitions in India. Shanti was a Visiting Professor at Visva Bharati University, Niketan. He presented to the Prime Minister a painting of Lord Buddha, one of his major works created in 2022.
