Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar Friday held bilateral talks with her Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba on regional and global issues particularly on Afghanistan situation. During the bilateral talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, Ms Khar underlined the need for increased bilateral exchanges between the two sides, said a message received here from Tokyo.
Gemba invited Ms Khar to the forthcoming Conference on Afghanistan, to be held in Tokyo in July this year. Foreign Minister Khar accepted the invitation. She invited Foreign Minister Gemba to visit Pakistan during 2012, the year marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relation. Foreign Minister Gemba expressed his intension to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity.
She thanked Japanese government for the socio-economic development in Pakistan during the last six decades. Both the foreign ministers agreed that President Asif Zardari's visit to Japan last year had set the guidelines for further cementing relations between the two countries.
During their meeting in Tokyo the two foreign ministers noted that the joint statement issued during President Zardari's visit to Japan last year "sets directions for further strengthening and broadening bilateral relationship" during the 21st century, it said. Hina appreciated Japanese support towards Pakistan's efforts in eradicating polio.
The foreign minister also addressed the 18th International Conference organised by the Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia and outlined her vision of sustainable growth based on good governance, entrepreneurship and innovative management engaging the youth of the country.
She elaborated the steps taken by the democratic government of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in making transformational changes in the lives of the people of Pakistan. Nikkei International Conference is one of the most reputed conferences held in Japan which brings together prominent political and corporate sector leaders from Asia.
During her breakfast meeting with Vice Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Seishiro Eto and President of Japan-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL), the Foreign Minister underlined the need for enhancing parliamentary exchanges between the two sides. The two dignitaries also exchanged views on regional and other issues of mutual interest. Eto intends to lead a Japanese parliamentary delegation to Pakistan in autumn this year, said the message.
During her meeting with Finance Minister Jun Azumi, Foreign Minister requested for Japanese assistance for hydropower energy projects in Pakistan. She also requested for enhanced market access for Pakistani products in the Japanese market, said the message.