President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Taro Aso on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Japan. In a message on Thursday, Zardari said, "It is a pleasure for me to extend to you my heartiest congratulations on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan."
"Your election to this office testifies your popularity as a leader and the trust that the people of Japan place in you. As you assume your new onerous responsibilities, I would like to wish you every success," he added. The President said Pakistan and Japan enjoy close and cordial relations.