Tokyo, February 24 (NationPress) - Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed gratitude to India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar for his congratulatory note regarding his reappointment. He emphasized his eagerness to enhance bilateral relations with India and work towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released Motegi's statement via X.

"I truly value your kind message on my reappointment and am excited to collaborate with you, S. Jaishankar, to fortify our bilateral ties and achieve a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)'." This was stated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi.

This statement was made following EAM Jaishankar's congratulatory note regarding Motegi's continued role as Japan's Foreign Minister.

In his message on X, EAM Jaishankar noted, "I congratulate FM Toshimitsu Motegi on his reappointment as Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to collaborating to promote our Special Strategic and Global Partnership."

On February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her electoral victory in Japan's House of Representatives.

PM Modi expressed optimism that he and Takaichi will further advance the friendship between India and Japan.

"Congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your significant election win! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is essential for fostering global peace, stability, and prosperity. I am confident that under your leadership, we will elevate the India-Japan bond to new heights," PM Modi shared on X.

In response, Takaichi expressed her gratitude and eagerness to collaborate in strengthening the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between their nations.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your warm congratulations on my election. I am excited to work with you to boost the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India and to collaborate towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," Takaichi stated on X.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party achieved a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives election on February 8, marking a historic milestone as the first party in postwar Japan to exceed the two-thirds majority of 310 seats in the 465-member lower house, as reported by Japan's Kyodo News.

On January 16, EAM Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi co-chaired the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, covering topics such as economic cooperation, maritime issues, supply chain dynamics, critical minerals, technology, and multilateral collaboration.

"It was a pleasure to co-chair the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is gaining momentum and has significant potential to reshape the world order and mitigate risks to the global economy," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

"Today's discussions on advancing economic, maritime, supply chain, critical minerals, technology, P2P, and multilateral cooperation reflect our common interests and mutual comprehension. We also had a fruitful exchange on the Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments," he added.