Beijing: Indo-Japan ties have excellent prospects for growth as top Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, accorded highest importance to boosting bilateral relationship in all fields, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said today (Nov 2, 2004).

"I had excellent meetings with the Japanese leadership, including Prime Minister Koizumi and the King and Queen of Japan," Chatterjee, who is currently on a visit to Tokyo, told sources over phone.

He said the Indian Joint Parliamentary delegation was received by Japanese side with much warmth and both sides used the opportunity to discuss increased cooperation at all levels.

On his meeting with Koizumi, the Speaker, who arrived in Tokyo on Sunday (Oct 31, 2004) for a weeklong visit, said the Japanese Prime Minister expressed wish to visit India at a convenient time.

He also had a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Mhimura.

Chatterjee, who also held talks with his Japanese counterpart Yohei Kono yesterday, discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the parliaments of the two nations as well as issues of common concern.

"The current visit of the Speaker takes place in the background of heightened interest in Japan in developing closer relations with India," a senior official said.

Chatterjee also met Chikage Oogi, President of the House of Councillors. Former Japanese Prime Ministers Tsutomu Hata and Yoshiro Mori also had separate meetings with him.