ISLAMABAD, Oct 23: Japan on Thursday welcomed a raft of 12 new proposals announced by India to improve relations with Pakistan as well as Islamabad’s promise to consider them seriously.

The proposals, ranging from the resumption of full sporting ties to increased transport and maritime links between the two countries, were unveiled by Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“The government of Japan welcomes the announcement of proposals by Mr Sinha...to improve Pakistan-India relations,” said a Japanese foreign ministry statement issued by the Japanese embassy in Islamabad.

“It also welcomes the announced Pakistani position to respond positively to the Indian proposals,” the statement said.

“The Japan government hopes that these efforts will further promote improvement in Pakistan-India relations,” it said.