25 January 2004	Sunday	02 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: The first round of security dialogue between Pakistan and Japan was held here on Saturday in which the two sides underlined the need for closely coordinating their policies for peace and stability in the world.

Salman Bashir, additional foreign secretary, Asia-Pacific Region, and Mitoji Yabunaka, director-general of Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, led their countries delegations to the talks, says an official handout.

The Japanese side appreciated Pakistan's role in the war against terrorism and the steps taken by it to promote peace and stability in South Asia. The Japanese side also took note of the importance that Pakistan attached to the development of its economy.

The Pakistani officials outlined the country's policy to develop close linkages with various economic and security bodies in East Asia and Pacific region. It was underlined that Pakistan would like to see greater interaction between South Asia and north-east Asia and south-east Asia for promotion of economic development and peace and stability.

Japan is a major contributor of development assistance to Pakistan. The security dialogue, covering a broad range of global and regional issues, was initiated in pursuance of the decisions taken by the president of Pakistan and the prime minister of Japan during President Musharraf's visit to Tokyo in March 2002.