FM Bilawal says Pakistan attaches high importance to its relationship with Japan as both countries have also stood with each other in times of need
TOKYO, July 03, (SABAH): Pakistan and Japan have agreed to further deepen their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and Information Technology.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at a joint press conference along with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo on Monday. He said the two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in mutually beneficial people to people contact, human resource development, tourism and agriculture sectors.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Japan have further agreed to explore avenues for working together on targeted programs in domains of solarization, desalination, water purification and rebuilding of housing structure in the flood affected areas of Pakistan.
The two sides agreed to conduct language skills assessment tests for Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate export of skilled workforce.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said we have also deliberated on scores of joint ventures by Japanese enterprise in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan and Japan have cordial relations and are longstanding friends and share special bond, based on deep rooted linkages that go far in history and time. He said people of Pakistan carry deep sentiments of warmth and affection for Japan and its people.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relationship with Japan as both countries have also stood with each other in times of need.
On the occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his gratitude to his Japanese counterpart for hosting him and his delegation.
Earlier the two ministers held a meeting in a cordial environment. Both the Ministers appreciated the free bilateral relations while expressing readiness to engage further.
In addition, the two side have agreed to conduct the language skill assessment tests for Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate movement of the skilled workforce.
FM Bilawal said the two sides also identified import of young Pakistani skilled human resource to Japan and their language training to be a prime area of cooperation. “We also deliberated on investments and joint ventures by Japanese enterprises in Pakistan.”
During his visit, he said he would also interact with private sector, local media as well as think-tanks to further broaden our engagement. I believe that both sides need to stay engaged at all levels to further positive dialogue and continue exploring more avenues of cooperation.
The foreign minister also invited his Japanese counterpart to visit Pakistan at your convenience to further our discussions.
He said Pakistan and Japan were longstanding friends and share a special bond based on deep rooted linkages that go far in history and time.
The people of Pakistan carry a deep sentiment of warmth and affection for Japan and the Japanese people. We have always stood with each other in times of need, he said.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said last year, they had seen new energy and vigour in the relationship through continued high-level exchanges. “I also had the honour to meet Minister Hayashi at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 4 August 2022 on the sidelines of the 29th Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Today we continued our discussions from that meeting,” he added.