Japan-Pakistan Relations
Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 4, 2022
On August 4, commencing at 3:15 p.m. local time (August 4, 5:00 p.m. Japan Time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Cambodia to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his congratulations to Minister Bhutto on his appointment as Foreign Minister and expressed his intention to further strengthen the bilateral relations, including through further deepening of economic ties and promoting people-to-people exchange, while working together to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, as the two countries celebrate the milestone year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. In response, Minister Bhutto expressed his intention to learn from Japan’s experience in various fields and to cooperate for further development of bilateral relations. Minister Bhutto also expressed his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe. In response, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude.
- Minister Hayashi reiterated his gratitude for Pakistan’s cooperation for the departure of Japanese nationals and others from Afghanistan since last August. The two Ministers concurred to continue working closely to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan would continue to work closely with the international community to implement robust sanctions against Russia and provide support for Ukraine. In response, Minister Bhutto expressed his hope for a peaceful resolution of the issue. The two ministers also exchanged their views on the regional affairs, including China and North Korea.