Tuesday, May 23 2006 11:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee will be embarking on a visit to Japan and China from May 25 to June 1.

He will be accompanied by senior officials of the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the three Services, an official release yesterday (May 22, 2006) night said.

During the first leg of his visit to Japan from May 25 to 28, besides holding discussions with his counterpart, the Director General (Minister) of the Japanese Defence Agency, Mukherjee is also expected to meet their Minister for Land,Infrastructure & Transport, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Cabinet Secretary (Minister).

Some of the issues which are likely to figure prominently during discussions with the Japanese dignitaries include the need for close defence cooperation between the two countries for promotion of peace and stability in Asia and at global level, countering terrorism and extremism, stability of regional maritime traffic and promotion of cooperation in the areas of disaster management.

"The delegation is also expected to visit some leading Japanese defence industries. It is hoped that Japanese defence industries will play a niche role in India's defence modernization programme," it said.