Pakistan, Japan reaffirm resolve to strengthen efforts against terrorism

TOKYO - Pakistan and Japan have decided to further strengthen their bilateral relations with a comprehensive partnership for peace and development at the summit-level talks held between Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan in Tokyo.

According to the Daily Times, Zardari and Kan expressed satisfaction at the high-level dialogues held between the two countries, including a meeting of their Foreign Ministers, political consultations, a high-level economic and security dialogue and a government business dialogue.

“The two leaders decided to enhance mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction by promoting and inter alia devising appropriate ways and means to facilitate cooperation in the private sector,” a joint statement said.

“Joint ventures, financial and banking sector cooperation, agriculture and food cooperation, mineral resources development, energy sector cooperation and establishment of Japan-specific industrial zones in Pakistan will be adopted to enhance the mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction,” it added.

Zardari appreciated Japan’s role in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the wider Asia-Pacific region, while Kan recognized the geo-political importance of Pakistan and appreciated the significant contributions being made by it in promoting global and regional peace, security and stability.

The two leaders also highlighted that a stable Afghanistan was vital for regional stability. (ANI)