ISLAMABAD, April 30: President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday assured Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi that Pakistan was firmly against nuclear proliferation while the visiting dignitary appreciated Islamabad’s role in the fight against terrorism. Receiving the Japanese leader at the Aiwan-i-Sadr here, the president said that Islamabad greatly valued its political and economic ties with Tokyo, stating that the country looked forward to expanding its trade with the second largest economic power of the world.

Later, at an exclusive meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half, he apprised Mr Koizumi about Pakistan’s efforts for establishment of lasting peace in South Asia through resolution of all issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with India. He said Islamabad looked forward to getting Tokyo’s support in developing institutional and bilateral linkages with East and Southeast Asia.

President Musharraf said Pakistan was firmly against nuclear proliferation and informed the visiting leader about the steps it had taken in this respect. Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and has a strict command and control system in place and its strategic assets are in safe hands, he emphasized.

Prime Minister Koizumi said Japan appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, saying the country had contributed greatly to making the world a safer place. He lauded President Musharraf’s concept of enlightened moderation.

In the context of fight against terrorism, the president stressed the importance of addressing the underlying causes of terrorism and said that major powers owed a vital role in assisting the developing countries attain socio-economic development.

Mr Koizumi said Japan would enhance its trade and economic links with Islamabad. He lauded Pakistan’s desire for peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute and said long-term stability would bring progress and prosperity to South Asia.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the UN reforms with President Musharraf spelling out Islamabad’s principled stance of making the world body more democratic, representative and effective. Later, the president hosted luncheon for the Japanese leader.—APP