ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Japan on Thursday pledged to reinvigorate their ties, especially in economic and security spheres.

This was the upshot of Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono’s two-day visit to Pakistan during which he called on Prime Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The two countries had last year celebrated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The ties have been lukewarm over the past few years. Mr Kono’s visit to Pakistan was the first in nine years by a Japanese foreign minister.

Prime Minister Abbasi told Mr Kono that Pakistan and Japan should strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and human resources development. He specifically noted the renewed interest of Japanese investors in Pakistan and recalled Jetro (Japan External Trade Organisation) survey on ‘Japanese business in Asia’ that had painted a positive image of business prospects in Pakistan.

PM Abbasi tells Taro Kono Islamabad wants peace and stability in region

“It is a good indicator that how two countries can mutually benefit through expanded business cooperation,” he said.

Prime Minister Abbasi said there were enormous opportunities available in Pakistan in the wake of sustained economic turnaround and improved security environment.

He said the government and people of Pakistan had deep warmth and affection for the people of Japan. “Pakistan, therefore, attaches great importance to its relations with Japan and is keen to enhance cooperation in all areas.”

He welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s statement on Japan’s readiness to work with other countries in developing infrastructure projects and availing of business opportunities across Asia.

Prime Minister Abbasi also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the promotion of peace and stability in the region and shared with Mr Kono various initiatives taken by Pakistan to reach out to its neighbours.

He stressed that aggressive escalatory tactics being used by India in shunning dialogue and engagements with Pakistan and blatant human rights violations against innocent Kashmiri civilians in held Kashmir would not help the prospects of peace and stability in South Asia.

Mr Kono assured Mr Abbasi that Japan would work with Pakistan for strengthening bilateral ties. Appreciating the role being played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism, he said Japan acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by Pakistan to root out terrorism and extremism from the region.

“Japan, as a friend, would continue to work with Pakistan for further strengthening bilateral relations,” he said.

The bilateral talks at the Foreign Office also resulted in an understanding on maintaining the momentum in high-level exchanges between the two countries.

“The two ministers expressed satisfaction that the bilateral relations are on an upward trajectory. They noted that the successful convening of a number of institutional dialogue processes covering a wide range of subjects over the last year clearly reflect the growing breadth and depth of the partnership between Japan and Pakistan, particularly in the economic realm,” an FO statement on the bilateral talks said.

During his meeting with Gen Bajwa at the General Headquarters, Mr Kono underlined Tokyo’s interest in expanding security cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the field of counterterrorism.

Japan is providing assistance for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons in tribal areas and scanning equipment for border crossing points with Afghanistan.

The Japanese foreign minister, during his meetings with Pakistani interlocutors, also extended his country’s appreciation of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistani officials were giving special significance to Japan’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions because of US President Donald Trump’s scathing criticism over alleged support for Afghan militants.

Japan is Washington’s key diplomatic partner.

Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and briefed his Japanese counterpart on the counterterrorism actions through which all terrorists, irrespective of their origin or orientation, were being targeted.

Gen Bajwa, the ISPR said, thanked Mr Kono for his acknowledgment of Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2018