Japan-Pakistan Summit Meeting and Dinner Hosted by Prime Minister Kan

February 22, 2011
Japanese

On Tuesday, February 22, Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office with H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who was visiting to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. (The participants included Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Minister for Industries and Production, and Makhdoom Shahab-udDin, Minister for Textile Industry (Pakistan side); Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Ms. Makiko Kikuta, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Motoyuki Odachi, Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Ms. Masayo Tanabu, Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japanese side)).

After the meeting, the two leaders signed a joint statement entitled, “Joint Statement on Japan-Pakistan Comprehensive Partnership” and witnessed the signing ceremony for the ODA loan agreement for the Khyber Pakhtunthwa Emergency Rural Road Rehabilitation Program (flood relief) between Dr. Sadako Ogata, President of JICA, and Mr. Sibtain Fazal Halim, Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Statistics. During a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kan following the ceremony, the leaders discussed such issues as Afghanistan and the strengthening of bilateral economic relations in a very friendly atmosphere.

Introduction
(1) Prime Minister Kan welcomed President Zardari’s visit to Japan, and stated that he had looked forward to meeting the President since their telephone conversation last November. He noted that Pakistan has a very important role to play in the stability of Afghanistan.
(2) President Zardari expressed his deep appreciation for Japan’s assistance, including flood relief since last year and the hosting of Donors’ Conference in 2009. The President expected further strengthening of the bilateral relationship towards the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2012.
Regional Stability and Counter-terrorism Measures (including Afghanistan)
(1) Prime Minister Kan stated that it was vital for Pakistan’s sustained economic development to provide a stable security environment and to establish a solid economic basis. The Prime Minister expected that President Zardari’s leadership role in Pakistan’s own effort towards economic reform.
(2) President Zardari explained that although Pakistan faces difficulties at home as well as a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, it was continuing to fight against terrorism, in cooperation with the Afghan government and with support from the international community.
Economy
(1) President Zardari noted that Pakistan is located in a geopolitically important area with a large population and market potential. He stated his strong expectations for Japanese investors and companies to enter Pakistan, explaining that an expansion of bilateral economic relations would promote regional stability. The President made a proposal to set up an inter-governmental task force to strengthen bilateral economic relations based on mutual interests. He also expressed hope for capacity development and utilization of young, qualified workforce in Pakistan.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Kan hoped that Pakistan would enhance security measures for Japanese nationals, streamline administrative procedures, and develop basic infrastructure to promote entry of Japanese companies. With regard to the recent lifting of the ban on the import of Pakistani mangoes, the Prime Minister expected that this measure would be best used by through developing an enabling environment for their exports to Japan. Prime Minister Kan requested officials of both countries to review measures to strengthen bilateral economic relations, including in the areas of investment and trade.
Economic Cooperation
(1) Prime Minister Kan noted that Japan had provided personnel and financial contributions to Pakistan, including the dispatch of the Self-Defence Forces. He stated that Japan was prepared to continue its assistance to Pakistan, along with its efforts on economic reform. The Prime Minister explained that the focus of Japan’s assistance would include co-financing with Poverty Reduction Support Credits (PRSC) and cooperation in the areas of infrastructure such as transport, as well as water resource management, energy, education, human resource development, disaster risk reduction and health.
(2) President Zardari stated that Pakistan would be most grateful for Japan’s continued generous assistance. The President also expressed hope for further cooperation in order to address energy issues facing Pakistan.
North Korea
(1) Prime Minister Kan expressed grave concern over North Korea’s uranium enrichment program which is in contravention of its international obligations.
(2) President Zardari stated the Government of Pakistan’s position of supporting a nuclear weapons free Korean peninsula and the abatement of tensions, and hoped all issues would be resolved through peaceful means.

(*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

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