Japanese FM wants negotiated Pak-US settlement Meets PM, COAS

Ag APP

ISLAMABAD: Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during separate meetings with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday urged Pakistan and the US to resolve issue through talks.

Prime Minister Abbasi said during the meeting at the Prime Minister Office that aggressive escalatory tactics being used by India in shunning dialogue and engagements with Pakistan and blatant human rights violations against the innocent Kashmiri civilians in the Indian Held Kashmir would not help the prospects of peace and stability in South Asia.

Welcoming the Japanese foreign minister and his delegation to Pakistan, the prime minister stated that the government and people of Pakistan have deep warmth and affection for the people of Japan. “Pakistan, therefore, attaches great importance to its relations with Japan and is keen to enhance cooperation in all areas,” he said.

Appreciating Japan’s role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, the prime minister stressed on further strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure development and human resources development. He expressed satisfaction over the renewed Japanese investors’ interest in Pakistan, and noted that there were enormous opportunities available in Pakistan in the wake of sustained economic turnaround and improved security environment.

The prime minister also recalled the latest Jetro survey on ‘Japanese Business in Asia’ that has declared Pakistan as the leading country in regard to positive sale profits and future business expansion. The prime minister noted that this is a good indicator of 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. Taro Kono thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome. He also conveyed the good wishes of Prime Minister Abe to the Prime Minister Abbasi.

The Japanese foreign minister stated that Japan, as a friend, would continue to work with Pakistan for further strengthening bilateral relations. Appreciating the role being played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism, Kono stated that Japan acknowledges the immense sacrifices made by Pakistan to root out terrorism and extremism from the region.

Meanwhile, Taro Kono called on COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

The visiting dignitary was presented guard of honour and he laid floral wreath at Shuhada monument, the ISPR said.

The Japanese foreign minister was given briefing on Pakistan’s war on terror and contributions towards regional peace. He appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability. He said that Japan looked forward to enhance its security cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the field of counter-terrorism. He also informed about Japanese assistance for rehabilitation of TDPs and provision of scanning equipment for border crossing points. The COAS thanked the Japanese foreign minister for his visit and acknowledgment of Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and assistance in counter-terrorism domain.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abbasi met a group of students of Citizen Foundation Gudap and Mehwish and Jehangir Siddiqui Foundation School, Mirpurkhas at the Prime Minister Office.

The prime minister urged the students to put in hard work and dedicated efforts to excel in their studies and take the country forward on the path of success in all fields. He had an interactive session with the students and answered their queries on a host of issues.

The students also presented a national song to the prime minister reflecting their strong determination to counter extremism and terrorism and their pledge to defend their motherland against all threats. The students visited various sections of the PMO and were briefed about the working of different ministries and departments. A delegation of LPG importers also called on Prime Minister Abbasi.

The delegation apprised the prime minister about issues faced by LPG importers. Prime Minister Abbasi directed the Ministry of Petroleum to take effective measures for removing disparities and rationalisation of the price of LPG for the benefit of the consumers.