ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and Japan on Thursday expressed satisfaction that the bilateral relations were on an upward trajectory, and agreed to maintain the momentum in high level exchanges between the two Countries.
In bilateral delegation level talks held in Islamabad, the Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and his Japanese Counterpart Taro Kono noted that the successful convening of a number of institutional dialogue processes covering a wide range of subjects over the last year clearly reflect the growing breadth and depth of the partnership between Japan and Pakistan particularly in the economic realm.
The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving peace and security environment in their respective regions and on international issues of mutual interest.
Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and support for an Afghan-led and an Afghan-owned reconciliation process. He also underscored the need for sustained commitment from the International community during the transformation phase in Afghanistan and agreed to continue working closely in this regard.
The foreign minister also briefed Taro Kono on Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Asif briefed the Japanese foreign minister on Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts that are targeting all terrorists irrespective of their origin or orientation. He underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to fight this twin menace.
In his remarks, the Japanese foreign minister expressed appreciation for enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in this regard and stressed the need for a coordinated international effort in the fight against extremism and terrorism.
The Japanese side was also briefed about Indian atrocities and human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir; and Pakistan’s credentials for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Kono was in Islamabad for a two-day official visit to Pakistan from January 3-4, 2018. During the visit, he also paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa.
