The stage is set for the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo today. A whole range of issues will be discussed in the meeting.

Talking to AIR on the eve of the meeting, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said that both leaders will discuss a whole range of issues, including co-operation in Defence and Infrastructure development. Delegation level talks will also be held. Some agreements are likely to be signed after the talks.

Mr Modi will be given official welcome at Akasaka Palace. He tweeted that he will begin the day with a visit to Taimei Elementary School. In another tweet, Modi said that he had requested Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka to work towards a cure for sickle cell anemia which is prevalent in some parts of India.

It may be recalled that Modi met the scientist during his visit to Kyoto University yesterday in Kyoto. Modi, was yesterday given a presentation on Kyoto by the Mayor of the city, Daisaku Kadokawa. During the presentation, Mr. Kadokawa said, he was impressed with the Prime Minister’s vision of development.

The Mayor explained how Kyoto, a city with 1200 years of history, had been able to conserve its heritage. Modi stressed that India and Japan should work together to develop cultural heritage cities.

Both the countries already signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Kyoto to promote heritage conservation, city modernization and cooperation in the field of art, culture and education. The Japanese Prime Minister tweeted that he is looking forward to seeing Modi in Tokoyo today.

Mr. Abe met Mr Modi in Kyoto during the first leg of visit of Indian Prime Minister which concluded yesterday. Japanese people including Indians living in Tokyo are eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of Modi.

Narendra Modi will take part in a series of programmes today apart from meeting his Japanese counterpart.

Mr Modi will also deliver keynote address at Business Luncheon hosted by business communities.