Thursday, April 16, 2009

Japan-Pakistan Summit Meeting

Prime Minister Taro Aso held talks with His Excellency Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, at the Prime Minister's Office.

In his address delivered prior to the meeting, Prime Minister Aso welcomed President Zardari's visit to Japan. He said, "Pakistan's stable development as a democratic nation is linked directly not only to the Pakistan's stability and peace but to the Southwest Asia's as well, in addition to [the resolution of] the issue of Afghanistan."

In response, President Zardari stated that "We believe that Japan's sincere interest in terrorism and efforts to counter, with firm resolve, terrorism have demonstrated Japan's intention to assist Pakistan. Pakistan highly values Japan's assistance."

At the meeting, the leaders discussed matters such as Japan-Pakistan bilateral relations, the international situation, and the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. During the joint press announcement that followed, Prime Minister Aso announced the results of the meeting, saying, "On bilateral relations, we have agreed to hold vice-minister level consultations on each area of politics and the economy, so as to strengthen inter-government dialogues on these areas. Economic development and counter-terrorism measures are important for Pakistan's development. Accordingly, Japan will actively provide assistance. It is important that the Pakistan government express its firm determination to reform the economy and to counter terrorism at the Pakistan Donors Conference and Friends of Democratic Pakistan Group Ministerial Meeting to be held tomorrow [on April 17]."

Related Link

• Japan-Pakistan Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)