Looking forward to visit Japan to take ties to new level: PM Modi

New Delhi: Ahead of his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was keenly looking forward to the trip beginning August 30 to take the "time-tested" bilateral ties to a new level and increase cooperation in various fields.

Modi, who will be embarking on his first bilateral visit outside the subcontinent since becoming the Prime Minister in May, said he was "excited" to meet his counterpart Shinzo Abe whose leadership he deeply respects. "On 30th August, I will begin my visit to Japan. I am keenly looking forward to the visit which will boost relations between our two nations," he said in a statement.

"I see the Japan visit as an opportunity to take our ties with Japan to a new level and increase cooperation in various fields," Modi said while noting that he will visit Tokyo and Kyoto and interact with all sections of Japanese society from students, political leaders to captains of industry.

"Am particularly excited to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. I deeply respect his leadership and enjoy a warm relationship with him from previous meetings," said Modi who had earlier travelled to Japan as Gujarat Chief Minister.

Underlining that Japan's friendship with India is "time-tested", he said "we are two vibrant democracies committed to advancing peace & prosperity in the world."

He noted that he was to visit Japan in early July but could not due to Parliament session. "Have very warm memories of visiting Japan as a CM. The hospitality and the immense scope for cooperation left a deep impression on my mind," Modi said.

He said the scale of innovation and level of precision among the people of Japan is admirable and both the nations can learn a lot from each other.