Japanese PM’s special adviser calls on PM, COAS

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday laid emphasis on the importance of Pakistan and Japan working together more closely to enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation.

He called particularly for closer cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, agriculture, industry, human resource development, education, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

The prime minister was talking to Sonoura Kentaro, Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister of Japan, who called on him here. During the meeting, views were exchanged on Pakistan-Japan bilateral relations and regional developments.

While noting the renewed vigour and momentum in high-level exchanges, 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.

He highlighted the worsening human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and serious risks for peace and security posed by India’s belligerent posture and illegal actions.

The special adviser also 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.

The prime minister expressed hope that the international community would play its role in ensuring respect of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiris and facilitating just solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

The prime minister highlighted his government’s initiatives to spur economic growth through investment-friendly, development-focused and people-cantered policies. In the realm of foreign policy, the prime minister underlined his efforts focused on creation of a peaceful environment in Pakistan’s neighbourhood.

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

The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s readiness to welcome Japanese businesses in all the sectors. Highlighting the economic turnaround in the country and the government’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business, the prime minister hoped that Japanese companies could take full advantage of the vast opportunities in Pakistan.

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

The 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 also underlined that Japan could assist Pakistan in its socio-economic development through assistance in export promotion, increase in agricultural productivity, ICT, polio eradication, water resource management, and so on.

In the regional context, the special adviser lauded Pakistan’s support for the efforts for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Sonoura Kentaro called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including overall regional security situation were discussed.

The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan’s positive role in the region, according to an ISPR press release. Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and security in the region.