Pakistan, Japan agree on beefing up co-op in various domains

ISLAMABAD, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Abbasi and visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono have agreed on cementing cooperation in diverse fields.
According to an official release, Premier Abbasi reiterated on Thursday Pakistan's commitment for the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
He said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Japan and is keen to enhance cooperation in all areas.
The premier stressed on further strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure development and human resources development.
He expressed satisfaction over the renewed Japanese investors' interest in Pakistan, and said that there are enormous opportunities available in Pakistan in the wake of sustained economic turn around and improved security environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Kono said that Japan will continue to work with Pakistan for further strengthening bilateral relations.
He said that Japan acknowledges the immense sacrifices made by Pakistan to root out terrorism and extremism from the region.
Premier Abbasi underscored Pakistan's continued commitment to fight terrorism and extremism.
During his visit, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan also met his Pakistani counterpart, Khawaja Muhammad Asif to hold talks on bilateral issues.
According to a release by Pakistan Foreign Office, the two Ministers expressed satisfaction that the bilateral relations are on an upward trajectory.
They noted that the successful convening of a number of institutional dialogue processes covering a wide range of subjects over the last year clearly reflect the growing breadth and depth of the partnership between Japan and Pakistan particularly in the economic realm. They further agreed to maintain the momentum in high level exchanges between the two countries.
The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving peace and security environment in their respective regions and on international issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Asif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and support for an Afghan-led and an Afghan-owned reconciliation process.
He also underscored the need for sustained commitment from the International community during the transformation phase in Afghanistan and agreed to continue working closely in this regard.
Pakistani Foreign Minister briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan's counter terrorism efforts that are targeting all terrorists, irrespective of their origin or orientation.
The Japanese side was also briefed about Indian atrocities and human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir; and Pakistan's credentials for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Foreign Minister Kono expressed appreciation for enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in this regard and stressed the need for a coordinated international effort in the fight against extremism and terrorism, said Foreign Office. (end) sbk.ibi