Tokyo: PM Modi thanks Hyogo Governor for building ties with Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Saturday witnessed the exchange of MoU of Cooperation between the Gujarat Government and Hyogo Prefecture.

After an almost two-hour ride on the famous Shinkansen bullet train, Prime Minister Modi arrived in the city of Kobe, where he was received by Prime Minister Abe at Hyogo prefecture guest house upon reaching Shin-Kobe from Tokyo.

He was also accorded a formal welcome, where the Governor of Hyogo Toshizo Ido and Mayor of Kobe Kyuzo Hisamaoto were also present.

The children of Indian origin greeted the Prime Minister by flagging Indian Flags during the formal reception.

MoUs between prefecture of Hyogo and Government of Gujarat were signed after the brief meeting.

MoUs include people to people contact, bilateral agreement on trade and investment, building disaster resilient regions, agriculture, food related operations Intellectual and personal exchanges etc were also signed.

"Our relationship is characterized by complete trust & mutual confidence. Thank Governor Ido for valuable efforts to develop relations with Gujarat," Prime Minister Modi said addressing the luncheon gathering where he recalled his association with Hyogo Prefecture and his visits to Kobe in 2007 and 2012.

He added saying that greater participation and engagement of industries in Hyogo will benefit Japan and India's MSME sector for which it could prove transformational.

"Indian community in Kobe has a long history of trade & commerce. I congratulate all residents of Kobe on forthcoming 150 yrs of its port," he added.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will go to Kawasaki Heavy industries Ltd which manufactures the Shinkanshen High Speed Trains.

Later he will also address the Indian community in Kobe before departing for India.