Meeting Between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono of Japan and Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(Outline and Evaluation)
15 March 2001
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid an official visit to Japan from 14 to 17 March as Guest of the Foreign Minister. After meeting with Foreign Minister Yohei Kono on 15 March (6:30p.m.-7:20p.m.), he attended a dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Kono (7:20p.m.-8:45p.m.). The following is an outline and evaluation of that visit.
1. Outline
(1) Nuclear Issues
- Foreign Minister Sattar explained efforts by the Government of Pakistan to form a domestic consensus toward the signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue its moratorium on nuclear tests and that Pakistan would never be the first to resume testing. Foreign Minister Kono reiterated his request for advances in nuclear nonproliferation centered on the signing of the CTBT.
(2) Democratization
- Foreign Minister Kono expressed his expectations for Pakistan's democratization and requested an explanation of the course of such developments. Foreign Minister Sattar explained measures by the current administration toward democratization by the deadline of 12 October 2002 and stated that the program is proceeding as planned.
(3) Economic Exchange
Foreign Minister Sattar stated that the current administration is facing difficult circumstances, including a large debt, and it is continuing efforts toward fiscal reform and economic revitalization, including tax raises and other reforms that force burdens upon the Pakistani people. Foreign Minister Kono explained Japan's assistance toward the advance of democratization and economic reforms, including assistance toward the establishment of democratic rule and good governance, and grant aid involving the polio eradication plan. Foreign Minister Kono also mentioned that the Japan-Pakistan Investment Agreement is to be submitted to the Diet shortly and voiced his hopes that strengthening the Japan-Pakistan economic relationship will contribute to Pakistan's economic development.
(4) Afghanistan Issue
- Foreign Minister Kono expressed his deep concerns regarding the destruction of Buddhist statues by the Taliban. Foreign Minister Sattar responded that although Pakistan is also calling upon the Taliban to stop this destruction, these calls have not produced results. Foreign Minister Sattar also noted that recently the number of Afghan refugees has increased rapidly and is becoming a serious issue in Pakistan.
2. Evaluation
(1) A definite, positive result of these Foreign Ministers' talks, which are the follow-up to Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's visit of August 2000, is that Japan asked for Pakistan's continual involvement in the international community and conveyed the message that Japan will continue offering assistance toward this purpose, and that in response Pakistan indicated its understanding and appreciation in this regard.
(2) Regarding the issue of nuclear nonproliferation, while Pakistan's standard line (1. (1) above) was reaffirmed, no new concrete developments were indicated by the Pakistani side. This issue will be addressed in the future.
(3) The Pakistani side offered detailed explanations of its work on items of international interest, including nuclear nonproliferation, democratization, India-Pakistan relations and the Afghanistan issue. In response, Japan, as a friend of Pakistan, listened to them, offered advice and made requests frankly. In addition, Japan indicated its stance to carry out appropriate assistance toward the promotion of Pakistan's economic reform and democratization, which was highly appreciated by the Pakistani side as being supportive of Pakistan's involvement in the international community.
(END)
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