PM Modi arrives in Kyoto for 5-day bilateral visit to Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Osaka International Airport in Japan on Saturday on a five-day bilateral visit, his first one outside India's immediate neighbourhood.

He was received by senior officials of the Japanese administration at the airport.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier in his departure statement stated that his visit was a reflection of Japan's paramount importance in his vision for development and prosperity in India and in peace, stability and prosperity in Asia at large.

He also called Japan "one of our closest partners in political, economic, security and cultural realms and a key regional and global partner".

PM Modi will begin his visit from Japan's old capital Kyoto, where he would be joined by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Prime Minister termed his visit to Kyoto as one that reflected the ancient foundations of India and Japan's contemporary relations and will also focus on some of India's priorities, including urban renewal and smart heritage cities as well as advanced scientific research.

From Kyoto, PM Modi will proceed to Tokyo, where he would discuss the roadmap for India and Japan's global and strategic partnership in the years ahead with his Japanese counterpart.