Telephone Talks Between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf
(Outline)
17 October 2001
On 17 October, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Pervez Musharraf for approximately 30 minutes. The telephone talks were held at the request of the Pakistan side and the following is an outline of the conversation.
1. Opening
Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan is combating terrorism by taking substantive and active stance, and expressed his profound respect for President Musharraf's cooperation with the international community, despite the difficult domestic situation. President Musharraf expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's economic assistance, and other support, to date.
2. Requests from President Musharraf
President Musharraf noted that the simultaneous terrorist attacks in the United States, and the subsequent United States-led strikes on Afghanistan have brought great economic pressures on Pakistan and have made it difficult for Pakistan to maintain reforms towards democratization and economic revitalization. President Musharraf requested the following to Japan: (1) debt reduction, (2) Lifting of economic measures, (3) resumption of budgetary support, and (4) support for improved access for Pakistani products to the Japanese market. President Musharraf also stated that he would be dispatching Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz to Japan to provide a more detailed explanation. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance to Pakistan, including in economic areas, and that it was a fundamental stance of Japan that debt reduction was not acceptable, but he would look into the matter given Pakistan's specific request. Concerning the matter of economic measures, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would like to make an overall judgment, taking various matters into consideration, including Pakistan's progress in nuclear non-proliferation, bilateral relations and the international situation. Concerning the visit of Finance Minister Aziz, Prime Minister Koizumi responded that he would see to it that a schedule would be adjusted on the working level.
3. Efforts in Nuclear Non-Proliferation
In response to a comment from President Musharraf that efforts in nuclear non-proliferation were continuing, Prime Minister Koizumi welcomed the comment, and requested that nuclear-related materials be kept under vigilance.
4. India-Pakistan Relations
Prime Minister Koizumi expressed the strong hope that through bilingual dialogue both governments of Pakistan and India would make efforts to resolve a number of issues, including that of Kashmir. He explained that he expected that an improvement in India-Pakistan relations would lead to the creation of a more desirable environment that would reduce tensions and heighten stability in the South Asian region. President Musharraf stated that he highly valued the fact that Prime Minister Koizumi was paying attention to India-Pakistan relations, and that he would make unstinted efforts towards resolution of the issues in a peaceful manner.
5. Situation in Afghanistan (Visit to Pakistan of Secretary of State of the United States Colin Powell)
Prime Minister Koizumi asked about the content of President Musharraf's talks with Secretary of State of the United State Colin Powell on 16 October. President Musharraf responded that he and Secretary Powell had agreed that it was necessary to proceed with a three-fold strategy for Afghanistan - military, political, and reconstruction - and that the new government of Afghanistan should be broad-based and multi-structural.
6. Others
In conclusion, Prime Minister Koizumi stated his high esteem for President Musharraf's efforts and noting his expectation that bilateral relations would develop still further during the course of next year when the two countries welcome the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Prime Minister also stated that Japan would continue to support to the greatest extent possible Pakistan's future economic development and the progress of democratization. President Musharraf reiterated his deep gratitude for support provided to date and restated his expectation for further assistance in the economic field in the future.
(END)
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