Pakistan, Japan Agree To Enhance Bilateral Ties

Pakistan, Japan Agree To Enhance Bilateral Ties
During Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's first visit to Japan since taking office last year, both countries decided to further develop and improve their mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation in a number of areas.

The two countries agreed to strengthen links in the areas of commerce, investment, human resource exchange and development, information technology, tourism, and agriculture.

In a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo, Foreign Minister Bilawal stated, "We have also jointly agreed to explore the possibility of working together on targeted programs with higher impact in the domains of solarization, desalination, and water purification, as well as housing and infrastructure rebuilding in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan."

Later, Bilawal also had a meeting with Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida.

"He conveyed wishes from the Pakistani government and people. Both leaders emphasized a wish to strengthen their involvement and collaboration across a variety of sectors, according to the Foreign Office.

The two ministers had earlier convened in a friendly setting. Both ministers expressed appreciation for the open bilateral ties and their willingness to cooperate more.

In order to simplify the transfer of professional labor, the two countries have also agreed to undertake language proficiency assessments for the Japanese language in Pakistan.

According to Foreign Minister Bilawal, the two countries also recognized language training and the export of young, competent Pakistani human resources to Japan as key areas of collaboration.

The foreign minister stated, "We also discussed investments and joint ventures by Japanese businesses in Pakistan."

He promised to contact local media, the commercial sector, and think tanks during his visit in order to "further broaden our engagement."

"I think that both sides need to continue to be engaged at all levels to advance constructive dialogue and keep looking for new ways to work together."

The foreign minister also extended an invitation for his Japanese colleague to visit Pakistan whenever he pleased to continue talks.