PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Vientiane, Laos.

"Furthering the relationship with greatest potential 1st bilateral is w/special friend &valued partner,PM @AbeShinzo," Swarup tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi arrived on a two-day visit to Vientiane earlier today to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit.

The friendship between India and Japan has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties.

Over the years, the two countries have built upon these values and created a partnership based on both principle and pragmatism.

Bilateral ties have been singularly free of any kind of dispute - ideological, cultural or territorial.

The relationship is unique and one of mutual respect manifested in generous gestures and sentiments, and of standing by each other at times of need.

The beginning of the 21st century witnessed a dramatic transformation in bilateral ties.

The global partnership formed the foundation for the strengthening ties in diverse fields, including identifying strategic convergences.

Economic relations between India and Japan have vast potential for growth, given the obvious complementarities that exist between the two Asian economies.

Japan's interest in India is increasing due to variety of reasons including India's huge and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.

The signing of the historic India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its implementation from August 2011 is expected to further accelerate growth of trade, economic and commercial relations between the two countries.