Pakistan, Japan renew commitment to take partnership to new heights: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Japan while reaffirming the importance of their relationship Thursday expressed satisfaction at the present state of bilateral cooperation and renewed their commitment to taking the partnership to a new and higher level.

This commitment came during the 11th Round of Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Political Consultations held in Tokyo, a foreign office statement issued here said.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua led the Pakistani delegation while Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, led the Japanese side.

The consultations provided a good opportunity to the two sides to explore new possibilities for further strengthening cooperation, especially in the spheres of trade and economy, investment, people-to-people interactions, human resource development and education.

The two sides discussed the evolving peace and security situation in their respective regions.

The foreign secretary briefed on Pakistan’s efforts towards promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Indian atrocities and human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir were also highlighted.

The Japanese side appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and acknowledge successes achieved in improving the security situation. This encouraged greater investments in Pakistan.

Both countries cooperate on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern and interest.

During her stay in Tokyo, the Foreign Secretary also called on Yasutoshi Nishimura, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Norikazu Suzuki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Takeo Akiba, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs.

During the meetings, both sides reiterated the importance of the enhancing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation to realize the true potential of the relationship.