ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifice in war against terrorism, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono Thursday said his country would support Pakistan in combating the terrorism and creation of stability in the region.
The visiting dignitary expressed these views in separate meetings with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The visiting minister who met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi here at the PM Office said Japan was appreciative of Pakistan’s role in fighting terrorism and extremism.
Prime Minister Abbasi underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to eradicate militancy from the country’s soil and reiterated commitment to the promotion of peace and stability in the region. He shared with Foreign Minister Kono various initiatives taken by Pakistan to reach out to its neighbours. He pointed that India’s aggressive escalatory tactics in shunning dialogue and engagements with Pakistan and its continued blatant human rights violations against the innocent civilians in the Held Kashmir would not help the prospects of peace and stability in South Asia.
Lauding Japan’s role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, the prime minister stressed strengthening of cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure development and human resources development. He expressed satisfaction over the renewed interest of Japanese investors in Pakistan and noted that there were enormous opportunities available in Pakistan in the wake of sustained economic turnaround and improved security environment.
He also recalled the latest JETRO survey on ‘Japanese Business in Asia’ that had declared Pakistan as the leading country in regard to positive sale profits and future business expansion. He termed it good indicator on how the two countries could mutually benefit through expanded business cooperation. He also welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s statement on Japan’s readiness to work with other countries in developing infrastructure projects and in availing business opportunities across Asia.
Foreign Minister Kono thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and also conveyed to him the good wishes of Prime Minister Abe. He said Japan, as a friend, would continue to work with Pakistan for further strengthening bilateral relations.
During a meeting with Kh Asif, the two foreign ministers agreed that the relations between Pakistan and Japan were marked by an upward trajectory and agreed to maintain the momentum.
The two foreign ministers 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. They also exchanged views on the evolving peace and security situation in their respective regions.
Kh 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 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. He briefed Foreign Minister Kono on Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Kh Asif also briefed the Japanese foreign minister on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts that were targeting all terrorists irrespective of their origin or orientation. Foreign Minister Kono 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 FM was also briefed about Pakistan’s credentials for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
In a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, FM Kono said that his country was ready to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the field of counterterrorism. The visiting minister was given a briefing on Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and the country’s contribution towards regional peace.
Published in Daily Times, January 5th 2018.
