RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Japan have agreed to increase number of flights between the two countries to boost opportunities for the business communities of both countries, Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan said, during a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda, who called on the federal minister at his office on Thursday.

Spokesman for the Aviation Division, Senior Joint Secretary Abdul Sattar Khokhar said in a press release that matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. The Japanese envoy expressed grief over the PIA plane crash in Karachi.

Mr Khan, highlighted close ties between both countries and said that increasing the number of flights will boost opportunities for the business community of both countries. Both sides emphasised upon mutual cooperation in the field of aviation.

He informed the ambassador about capabilities of the Airport Security Force (ASF) and asked if possibilities of cooperation for the ASF were possible.

The minister told Mr Matsuda that up-gradation of Leh Nullah Flood Forecasting under the Japanese government’s grant-in-aid is under process and would be submitted to the Japanese embassy after completion of formalities.

The two thoroughly discussed relations between Pakistan and Japan, along with ways to further strengthen Tokyo and Islamabad’s growing partnership in the aviation sector.

Both sides agreed upon increasing the number of flights between both countries, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s first Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Ilkhom Mahkamov called on the Aviation Division Secretary Mr Hassan Nasir Jamy at his office and discussed avenues for further cooperation in the aviation sector between both countries.

Mr Jamy pointed out the immense potential of both countries for developing a robust aviation industry for mutual benefit.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic caused global devastation to the aviation industry. There is need for concerted efforts from both countries to reinvigorate on both sides, he said.

It was also discussed that the tourism sector possessed enormous potential for growth. Any proposal for further enhancing bilateral relations in the aviation sector will be highly appreciated, he added.

Mr Mahkamov and his team thanked the secretary for showing interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2020