SL is important for us-Japan

3 May 2013 06:59 am - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Japan said that relations with democratic nations including Sri Lanka that have established market economies and the rule of law are extremely important for them, a Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun reported.

"Sri Lanka is an extremely important maritime nation," Japan has proposed providing training to (Sri Lanka's) coast guard officers,” visiting Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso said.

"Relations with democratic nations that have established market economies and the rule of law are extremely important," Aso told reporters in Colombo on May 2, indicating he sees the latest trip to Sri Lanka as part of the strategy.

The paper said that Aso's visit to Sri Lanka yielded promises of stronger ties between the two countries, bringing Japan a step closer to its goal of building a coalition against China.

Aso, who had been eager to visit the maritime nation, met with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo on May 2, and the two agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation further.

Aso and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are currently conducting a broad range of diplomatic activities to counter China's growing influence. Aso followed his visit to Sri Lanka with a trip to India later that same day, while Abe started his trip to Russia and Middle East countries on April 28.

Japan used to be Sri Lanka's largest aid donor, but was replaced by China in 2009, stoking fear that Japanese companies would lag behind their Chinese counterparts in forays there.

Japan is also worried about China's increasing maritime military influence in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

When Abe first served as Prime Minister in 2006, Aso, who was then foreign minister, proposed making the area from Southeast Asia to central and Eastern Europe an "arc of freedom and prosperity."

The strategy was intended to contain China by helping Asian countries move forward with democratization and the development of their economies.

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Comments - 6

mohamed asfar Friday, 03 May 2013 09:00 AM

yeah. that is why japan absconded at the UN instead of supporting us.

Peace lover Friday, 03 May 2013 09:06 AM

God save Sri Lanka. We don't want to be sandwiched between Japan & China during a War. We are a Peace loving People.

Saskia Friday, 03 May 2013 09:25 AM

We know very well about Japan, they have no interests in peace or reconciliations, human rights etc etc. They only interests is exporting their TVs, cars to SL.

Ramzeel Friday, 03 May 2013 09:36 AM

Democracy and the rule of law in Sri lanka, thats why Japan abstained in Geneva.

Premalal Friday, 03 May 2013 01:42 PM

Sri-Lanka a democracy? This guy must be crazy.

Andrew Pitugala Saturday, 04 May 2013 04:10 AM

Democracy and rule of Law in Srilanka ?????

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SL is important for us-Japan

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