Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday met Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane in Islamabad and expressed the desire to work closely with Japan to expand bilateral cooperation in various areas — particularly in trade, investment, economic and human development.

According to Radio Pakistan, avenues of multi-faceted cooperation between the two sides were discussed during the meeting, including cooperation in education and health sectors as well as skill enhancement of the youth.

PM Khan recalled that Japan External Trade Organisation in its 2018 report recognised Pakistan as one of the top friendly destinations for Japanese investment. The premier conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic cooperation through facilitating Japanese business ventures.

The prime minister also acknowledged the role of economic assistance provided by Japan in social sector projects.

The Japanese minister of state expressed his country's strong desire to strengthen existing friendly relations between the two countries based on a long history of economic and development cooperation.

PM Khan also extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to visit Pakistan.

Besides, Japan has agreed to extend financial assistance worth Rs2.6 billion for the completion of two projects i.e. Project for Installation of Weather Surveillance Radar in Multan City and Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship, read a statement issued by the Japanese embassy.