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Joint Statement
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At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency Mr. Naoto Kan, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Mr. Asif Ali Zardari visited Japan on 21 - 23 February 2011. 2. During the visit, President Asif Ali Zardari held in depth discussions with Prime Minister Naoto Kan and members of his cabinet. President Zardari also interacted with the heads of important Japanese business corporations and the Japanese business community. 3. The two leaders decided to further strengthen bilateral relations for a comprehensive partnership for peace and development. 4. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at high level dialogues, including Foreign Ministers' meetings, political consultations, high level economic dialogue, security dialogue and government-business dialogue and decided to continue to hold regular in depth exchanges on matters of mutual interest. 5. President Zardari acknowledged with appreciation Japan's role as a key partner in promoting trade, investment and development in Pakistan. 6. The two leaders decided to enhance mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction by promoting and inter alia devising appropriate ways and means to facilitate private sector cooperation; joint ventures; financial and banking sector cooperation; agriculture and food cooperation; mineral resources development, energy sector cooperation and establishment of Japan-specific industrial zones in Pakistan. 7. President Zardari appreciated Japan's role in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the wider Asia-Pacific region, and in particular, Japan's efforts to promote stability and development in Afghanistan. 8. Prime Minister Kan recognized the geo-political importance of Pakistan and appreciated the significant contributions being made by Pakistan in promoting global and regional peace, security and stability. 9. The two leaders recognized that the stability and development of Afghanistan is vital for regional stability and stated that both Governments will continue their support to Afghanistan. They noted the importance of promoting regional development cooperation. 10. The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and resolved to strengthen their efforts in curbing the menace, including through capacity building. 11. Prime Minister Kan appreciated the role being played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism and acknowledged the immense sacrifices, both human and material, made by Pakistan in the ongoing efforts to fight terrorism and extremism. President Zardari underscored Pakistan's continued commitment to fight this twin menace. 12. Prime Minister Kan welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and India on the resumption of dialogue on all issues following the Pakistan-India Foreign Secretary level talks in Thimphu, Bhutan, on February 6, 2011. 13. The two leaders reaffirmed that peace and prosperity in the South Asian region is vital for realizing peace and prosperity across Asia and the world. In this regard, Prime Minister Kan expressed his commitment to support the role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia. President Zardari welcomed Japan's interest in the forum. 14. President Zardari highlighted the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to implement wide ranging economic reforms that are being undertaken in Pakistan as a matter of urgent priority to ensure sustained and inclusive growth and development. 15. President Zardari conveyed the gratitude of the Government and people of Pakistan for the generous assistance provided by the Government of Japan for socio-economic development over five decades and to support Pakistan's relief and early recovery efforts in the aftermath of recent devastating floods, which caused massive destruction to life, property and infrastructure in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan remains committed to the effective utilization of Japan's support for the benefit of the people of Pakistan. The two leaders recognized the importance of sharing experiences on and taking measures for disaster risk reduction. 16. Prime Minister Kan stated that the Government of Japan will continue to support Pakistan's efforts in the development of the power sector, management and administration of water resources and infrastructure development. 17. Prime Minister Kan pointed out the significance of the concept of human security and expressed the readiness of the Government of Japan to provide Pakistan assistance in the field of education, human resource development, promotion of employment and health, including for the Pakistan Polio Initiative, through the implementation of the Kan Commitment announced at the High-level Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly on Millennium Development Goals last year. 18. President Zardari underscored that Pakistan offers vast opportunities for mutually beneficial investments and that an action plan is being prepared by the Government of Pakistan for promoting Japanese investments. Prime Minister Kan welcomed this initiative and expressed the intention of the Government of Japan to support such efforts. President Zardari welcomed the decision by the Government of Japan to approve import of mangoes from Pakistan. 19. The two leaders directed their officials to review measures to strengthen their economic relations, including in the areas of trade, investment and infrastructure development. 20. The two leaders underscored the importance of holding government-business dialogue for enhancing cooperation in both public and private sectors. 21. The two leaders decided to strengthen people to people contacts particularly focusing on parliamentary, business and youth exchanges, inter alia through@ Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS). President Zardari, while stressing the need to facilitate these exchanges by simplifying the visa procedures in both countries stated that the Government of Pakistan will positively consider the exemption of visas and simplification of visa procedures for Japanese business persons and tourists. 22. The two leaders recognized the importance of strengthening cultural and academic exchanges in order to further strengthen the long standing friendly relationship between the Governments and people of the two countries. They also underscored the importance of building on the deep and historical cultural bonds between the two countries. 23. The two leaders stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the scientific and technological fields including through the promotion of student exchanges. 24. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the expansion of bilateral defense and security cooperation. They decided to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense including through training of defense personnel and cooperation between their respective defense educational institutions. 25. The two leaders recognized the importance of maintaining the safety and security of maritime navigation and to further enhance cooperation in this regard. 26. The two leaders stated that they share the global objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation. They decided to deepen cooperation in these areas through closer dialogue. 27. The two leaders welcomed the Cancun Agreements adopted at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They reaffirmed their determination to constructively work together towards a successful outcome at COP 17 in South Africa. 28. The two leaders underscored the importance of consultations and cooperation at the multilateral forums. They underlined the need for a reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC). 29. Prime Minister Kan reiterated Japan's position on North Korea, which attaches overarching importance to bringing about a comprehensive solution to all issues relating to North Korea of concern to Japan, such as the issues of nuclear programs, missile development and abduction. In particular, Prime Minister Kan expressed grave concern over North Korea's uranium enrichment program which is in contravention of its international obligations. President Zardari stated the Government of Pakistan's position of supporting a nuclear weapons free Korean peninsula and the abatement of tensions, and hoped all issues will be resolved through peaceful means. 30. The two leaders decided to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan in the year 2012 in a befitting manner. 31. President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him by the Government of Japan. President Zardari extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Kan to visit Pakistan. Prime Minister Kan received the invitation with profound appreciation.
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