New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) India and Japan on Thursday reaffirmed the need for stronger international partnership in combating terrorism even as they condemned the brutal terror attack in Bangladesh capital Dhaka on July 1.
"The ministers resolutely condemned this brutal act of terrorism and reaffirmed that all forms and manifestations of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable under all circumstances, and noted that terrorism poses one of the most serious threats to the peace and security of the international community," an offical release issued after a meeting between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his visiting Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani, said with his Indian Manohar Parrikar here.
Both the leaders exchanged ideas in a constructive, productive and positive atmosphere under the framework of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership".
The ministers recognized that the security and stability in the blue waters connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans are "indispensable" for peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
The ministers expressed concern over recent developments in this regard. They reaffirmed on the importance of respecting international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
An international arbitration tribunal on Tuesday ruled against China's claims to rights in the South China Sea, backing a case brought in by the Philippines. Beijing has, however, trashed the ruling as "null and void".
In Thursday's meeeting Parrikar and Gen Nakatani reaffirmed the importance of respecting international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS, of the peaceful settlement of the disputes without any threat or use of force, and of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and over-flight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters.
"In this context, they noted the Award of the Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea under the UNCLOS on July 12, and urged all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS," the release said.
Both the countries also expressed their concern over North Korea's continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.
They urged North Korea to take concrete actions towards denuclearization and other goals as well as to fully comply with its international obligations, including under all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, the release said.
Gen Nakatani expressed his appreciation to the efforts made by Indian Defence Ministry as a chair of Humanitarian Mine Action Expert Working Group (EWG) and Parrikar expressed his appreciation to the efforts made by Japan Defence Ministry as a chair of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
(EWG).
The two ministers expressed deep condolences to both Japanese and Indian victims of the terrorist attack perpetrated at Dhaka in Bangladesh.
