PM calls for enhancing bilateral cooperation with Japan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed on working together more closely with Japan to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields.

He was talking to Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister of Japan Sonoura Kentaro. During the meeting, views were exchanged on Pakistan-Japan bilateral relations and regional developments.

The prime minister highlighted initiatives to spur economic growth through investment-friendly, development-focused and people-centered policies. He underlined efforts focused on creation of a peaceful environment in the region.

While appreciating the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Skilled Workers Programme between the two countries, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan with 60 percent of its population below the age of 30 and the graying population in Japan had inherent complementarities that could be utilised to the benefit of their economies.

He underscored Pakistan’s readiness to welcome Japanese businesses in all the sectors. he hoped that the Japanese companies could take full advantage of the vast opportunities in Pakistan particularly in the fields of investment, trade, agriculture, industry, human resource development, education, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

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The prime minister expressed deep condolences over the tragic killing of Japanese aid worker Tetsu Nakamura in Afghanistan. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

The Japanese Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction at current trajectory in the bilateral relations. He conveyed Japan’s appreciation for the prime minister’s efforts for economic development and regional peace.

He reiterated the Government of Japan’s full support to further enhance bilateral cooperation in myriad fields of mutual benefit. He underlined that Japan could assist Pakistan in socio-economic development through assistance in export promotion, increase in agricultural productivity, ICT, polio eradication and water resource management.

In the regional context, the special adviser lauded Pakistan’s support for the efforts for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He underlined Japan’s stance that human rights must be respected under all circumstances and hoped that escalation of tensions would be contained and peace and stability preserved in South Asia.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to take the bilateral relationship to a higher level. The prime minister said Pakistan looked forward to welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the earliest opportunity.