Pakistan, Japan decide to boost economic, trade ties

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Pakistan, Japan decide to boost economic, trade ties​

* Two countries reaffirm resolve to strengthen their efforts against terrorism

* Zardari says his govt committed to implement wide-ranging economic reforms

TOKYO: The governments of Pakistan and Japan decided to further strengthen their bilateral relations with a comprehensive partnership for peace and development at the summit-level talks held between President Asif Ali Zardari and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Tuesday.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the high-level dialogues held between the two countries, including a meeting of their foreign ministers, political consultations, a high-level economic and security dialogue and a government business dialogue. The two leaders decided to continue to hold regular in-depth exchanges on matters of mutual interest.

Zardari acknowledged Japan’s role as a key partner in promoting trade, investments and development in Pakistan.

According to a joint statement on Japan-Pakistan Comprehensive Partnership, the two leaders decided to enhance mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction by promoting and inter alia devising appropriate ways and means to facilitate cooperation in the private sector. 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 will be adopted to enhance the mutually beneficial economic and trade interaction, the statement read.

The president also appreciated Japan’s role in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the wider Asia-Pacific region, and in particular the efforts to promote stability and development in Afghanistan.

Kan recognised the geo-political importance of Pakistan and appreciated the significant contributions being made by it in promoting global and regional peace, security and stability.

The two leaders recognised that a stable Afghanistan was vital for regional stability.

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.

Kan appreciated the role being played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism and acknowledged the immense sacrifices, both human and material, made by the country in the ongoing war against terrorism

Prime Minister Kan welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and India on the resumption of dialogue on all issues, following the talks held between the foreign secretaries of both nations in Thimphu, Bhutan, on February 6.

Zardari highlighted the commitment of the government of Pakistan to implement wide ranging economic reforms that were being undertaken in the country as a matter of urgent priority to ensure sustained and inclusive growth and development. app

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan