Ashwani Kumar in Tokyo ahead of royals' India visit

Ahead of the visit of the Japanese emperor and empress to India November-end, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Special Envoy Ashwani Kumar Wednesday arrived in Tokyo to prepare for the high-profile trip.

Ashwani Kumar met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other officials.

The former law minister who was in August appointed the prime minister's special envoy to Japan, told Abe that India "is honoured and privileged" to welcome Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Ashwani Kumar said, "The people of India look forward to the imperial visit later this year and the government is making all possible arrangements in ensuring a memorable and productive visit by their majesties."

According to media reports in Japan, the 79-year-old emperor who underwent a coronary artery bypass surgery in February last year and the empress, who is a year younger, last travelled outside the country in May 2012 when they attended the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

According to external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin, Ashwani Kumar also "used the opportunity of his meeting with Prime Minister Abe to reiterate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation to him for the annual summit, to be held in New Delhi".

Ashwani Kumar is to meet Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Minister for Economy and Trade Toshimitsu Motegi, who was recently in India.

He will also interact with captains of industry in Japan, the spokesperson said.

During the talks, Abe referred to the India-Japan civil nuclear cooperation agreement and assured that "the process of negotiations towards resolution of all outstanding issues will be taken forward", said a statement.

India and Japan marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2012. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Japan in May this year and met the royal couple.

Ashwani Kumar is on a three-day visit to Tokyo from Tuesday.