FM Bilawal to leave for Japan from July 1

ISLAMABAD, July 1 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is scheduled to pay a four-day visit to Japan from July 1 to 4 at the invitation of the Japanese government.

“The foreign minister’s visit signals the revival of leadership level contacts with Japan after a considerable hiatus,” a spokesperson for the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan and Japan enjoy a long-standing time-tested relationship characterized by warmth, cordiality and commonality of views on issues.

During the visit, the foreign minister will hold delegation-level talks with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi. He will also call on the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, and will hold a meeting with the National Security Advisor of Japan, Takeo Akiba.

The Pakistani foreign minister will deliver a talk at the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), which is a renowned Japanese think-tank.

FM Bilawal is also expected to interact with senior officials and executives representing prominent business houses and entities related to the import of Pakistani manpower to Japan.

Earlier this week, Pakistan’s foreign secretary, Asad Majeed Khan, held bilateral political consultations with his Japanese counterpart Shigeo Yamada in Tokyo.

According to media reports, both sides reviewed significant aspects of Pakistan-Japan relations during the consultations, agreeing to spare no effort to preserve, promote, and diversify the longstanding robust relationship. Important regional and international issues were also discussed in depth.

The foreign secretary also called on Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke and National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba, and also interacted with Shun Imaizumi, President of the Japan-Pakistan Association.