ISLAMABAD – Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono Thursday said Japanacknowledged Pakistan’s immense sacrifices to root out terrorism andextremism from the region.
The visiting Japanese minister who met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasihere at PM Office said Japan was appreciative of Pakistan’s role infighting terrorism and extremism.
Prime Minister Abbasi underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment toeradicate militancy from the country’s soil and reiterated commitment tothe promotion of peace and stability in the region.
He shared with Foreign Minister Kono various initiatives taken by Pakistanto reach out to its neighbours.
He pointed that India’s aggressive escalatory tactics in shunning dialogueand engagements with Pakistan and its continued blatant human rightsviolations against the innocent Kashmiri civilians in the Indian occupiedKashmir would not help the prospects of peace and stability in South Asia.
The prime minister said the government and people of Pakistan had deepwarmth and affection for the people of Japan.
He said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Japan andwas keen to enhance cooperation in all areas.
Lauding Japan’s role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, theprime 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 investorsin Pakistan and noted that there were enormous opportunities available inPakistan in the wake of sustained economic turn around and improvedsecurity environment.
He also recalled the latest JETRO survey on ‘Japanese Business in Asia’that had declared Pakistan as the leading country in regard to positivesale profits and future business expansion.
He termed it good indicator on how the two countries could mutually benefitthrough expanded business cooperation. He also welcomed Prime MinisterAbe’s statement on Japan’s readiness to work with other countries indeveloping infrastructure projects and in availing business opportunitiesacross Asia.
Foreign Minister Kono thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome andalso conveyed to him the good wishes of Prime Minister Abe. He said Japan,as a friend, would continue to work with Pakistan for further strengtheningbilateral relations.