TOKYO, Nov 20: Japanese Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka said on Tuesday she would visit Pakistan next week and meet President Pervez Musharraf with an eye to helping refugees from Afghanistan.

“The situation in Afghanistan is moving along very quickly,” Tanaka said while talking to reporters. “We would like to gather information so we can take it home and consider what measures we can take to assist refugees.” Tanaka said she would hold talks with President Musharraf on Monday.

Tokyo suspended sanctions on Pakistan and India last month, clearing the way for fresh economic aid in a show of support for the two nations.—Reuters