(2018-08-31) The State Minister for foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane, paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs congratulated the Foreign Minister on his appointment. He expressed his earnest desire to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan. Both countries expressed firm resolve to increase high level interaction between the two countries.
Foreign Minister acknowledged the position of Japan as an important development partner. While recognizing the economic assistance provided by Japan, he invited Japanese investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and assured facilitation to Japanese investors in all the sectors. Foreign Minister emphasized the need to correct the balance of trade, which is currently heavily tilted in favor of Japan. They agreed to explore ways in which bilateral economic cooperation can be strengthened. Mr. Nakane informed that the next round of Joint Government Business Dialogue would also be held during this year. Foreign Minister fondly recalled his last visit to Japan and thanked the Japanese Government for holding the meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) in Tokyo.
Foreign Minister also briefed the Japanese delegation on role of Gwadar Port in enhancing economic development, regional connectivity, peace and prosperity of the region.
Foreign Minister appreciated the setting up of weather surveillance radar project in Multan City, which is hometown of the Foreign Minister. He acknowledged the role of this project which will enhance the capacity of Pakistani officials in disaster management. He also recalled and thanked the Japanese Government for their assistance to Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2010.
The two sides exchanged views on all-encompassing bilateral cooperation, including human resource development, education and science & technology. Foreign Minister suggested to have institutional mechanisms between the two countries for cooperation in the field of human resource development, which is the priority sector of this government.
Mr. Nakane also extended invitation to the Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Japan at his earliest convenience.
Islamabad
31 August 2018
