Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Government of Pakistan's Decision to Withdraw its Forces from Positions on the Border with India

October 18, 2002

The Government of Japan welcomes the Government of Pakistan's decision on October 17, in response to the Government of India's decision on October 16, to withdraw its forces from positions on the border with India to their peace-time locations, as a positive step for reducing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Government of Japan sincerely hopes that these steps by India and Pakistan will bring further progress in the reduction of tensions and lead to the early resumption of dialogue between them.

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