Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Friday held talks with her Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba on regional and global issues particularly on the Afghanistan situation.
During the talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, Khar underlined the need for increased bilateral exchanges between the two sides. Gemba invited her to the forthcoming Conference on Afghanistan, to be held in Tokyo in July this year which she accepted. She invited Gemba to visit Pakistan during 2012, the year marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relation. Gemba expressed his intension to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity. She thanked the Japanese government for the socio-economic development in Pakistan during the last six decades.
Both 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. 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.
Hina praised Japanese support for Pakistan’s efforts in eradicating polio.
She 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 Yousaf Raza Gilani in making transformational changes in the lives of the people. 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 intended to lead a Japanese parliamentary delegation to Pakistan in autumn this year, said a message. During her meeting with Finance Minister Jun Azumi, the 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.
