Platinum jubilee of Battle of Imphal commemorated
Japan, UK diplomats bat for meaningful collaboration
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 22 2019: Top diplomats from Japan and the UK have expressed keen desire for collaboration between the North East region in general and Manipur in particular with their respective countries in different fields.

Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu as well as British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith have underscored the huge potential for collaboration among the UK, Japan and India (North East region) in multiple sectors Speaking at a commemorative function of the platinum jubilee of the Battle of Imphal held at the auditorium of MSFDS here today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that the Indo-Japan partnership could explore opportunities in Manipur in the areas like road connectivity infrastructure, tourism, trade capacity building and healthcare.

Platinum jubilee of Battle of Imphal commemorated

Speaking as chief guest of the function, the Chief Minister said that mechanisms could be institutionalized for collaboration amongst educational and medical institutions in the areas of research, training, exchange programmes, etc.

Biren stated that Manipur is the land gateway to South East Asian countries and the State Government is actively considering to set up a logistics park, gems and jewellery park and a second food park in the State.

Integrated Check Post at Moreh has now been commissioned towards boosting border management and trade infrastructure, he added.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister asserted that human progress and prosperity must be based on the foundation of peace and collaboration, he added.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu said that there is huge potential for collaboration with the people of the North East India and would like to have an intellectual dialogue with the people to see visible changes in the region.

He invited promising youths to work in Japan under the Technical Intern Training Programme.

Kenji Hiramatsu further mentioned that 24 youths including 6 Manipuris have enjoyed first hand experience in Japan this year under the Youth Exchange Programme.

He stated that the Japanese Government is committed to have a strong relationship with India.

On the occasion, British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith stated that the UK Government would work closely with Manipur Government to bring economic prosperity in the State.

He mentioned that India, Japan and UK will collectively work together to overcome the challenges of the 21st century.

As UN members, the three countries have common purpose in preserving and strengthening the international system of co-operation.

During the function, the Chief Minister also released a souvenir in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal.

Chairman of Manipur Tourism Corporation and MLA of Konthoujam A/C Dr Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa, officials of State Government, around 200 delegates from Japan attended the function.

The function was jointly organised Manipur Tourism, Govt of Manipur, Manipur Tourism Forum and 2nd World War Imphal campaign Foundation.

Speaking to media persons later in the evening at Classic Grande, Chairman of Nippon Foundation Yohei Sasakawa said that the commemoration of 75 years of the 2nd World War and the inauguration of the Imphal peace museum in Manipur at Maibam Lotpa Ching will deepen the healthy relationship between the two Nations as well as with Manipur and added that the Japanese people still need to learn a lot about what happened in Manipur.

He said that he acknowledged the tragic past of Manipur which resulted from the war.

Saying that a certificate course of Japanese language has been launched in Manipur University, he assured to send teachers to MU as well.

He further appealed to all to give any materials related with the war so that they can be put in the museum.

British High Commissioners to India, HE Dominic Asquith said that they have learnt from the past and added that the museum symbolises the reconciliation between Japan, United Kingdom and India.