Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Meeting (Overview)

On Friday, May 25, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, followed by a dinner, with H.E. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who was visiting Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. An overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Minister Gemba welcomed Minister Khar's visit to Japan and reiterated his gratitude for the emergency transportation of Japanese tourists by the Government of Pakistan. Minister Gemba expressed his intention to further enrich the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries. In response, Minister Khar expressed her deep gratitude for the invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and also thanked for Japan's assistance to Pakistan to date.
   
   
2. Minister Khar explained the current power shortages in Pakistan, and made request for Japan's assistance in the power sector to solve the problem. In response, Minister Gemba stated that he would consider the request, taking note of the situation of the power shortage. With regard to Japan's support for polio eradication program in cooperation with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Minister Gemba hoped that the Government of Pakistan would deliver significant results for polio eradication. Minister Khar stated that the Government of Pakistan would make efforts to that end. Minister Khar also explained the efforts by the Government of Pakistan on economic reforms in the recent years as well as its progress.
   
   
3. Minister Khar stated that Pakistan attaches great importance to expansion of investment and trade relations including the access of Pakistani products into Japanese markets, and expressed her strong expectation for the strengthening of Japan-Pakistan economic relations. Minister Gemba referred to the economic potential of Pakistan and stated he would consider the issue, while making use of expertise of trade policies specialists. In this context, Minister Gemba asked the Government of Pakistan for enhanced consistency in its investment policies as well as improvement of the security situation. Minister Gemba also mentioned investment seminars for Japanese enterprises to promote their investment in Pakistan to be held in Bangkok and Singapore the following week, as well as the upcoming dispatch of an investment mission to Pakistan.
   
   
4. The two Foreign Ministers actively exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. Minister Gemba stated that the role of Pakistan is important for the stability of the region and asked for Pakistan's cooperation in the efforts to stabilize the region, including for the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan hosted by Japan in July. Minister Khar explained Pakistan's views on the Afghanistan issue and stated that Pakistan can play an important role for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Minister Khar expressed her intention to cooperate with Japan in this regard and stated that Pakistan would be willing to participate in the Tokyo Conference. On other issues, the two Ministers exchanged views on such issues as the U.S.-Pakistan relations, India-Pakistan relations, North Korea, and disarmament and nonproliferation.