Japan-Pakistan Relations

On Tuesday, September 25, from 11:38 a.m. (local time; Wednesday, September 26, late night Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to New York to attend the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Minister Kono congratulated Minister Qureshi on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and stated that the visit to Pakistan by Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, immediately following the inauguration of the new Pakistani government is a demonstration of the importance Japan attaches to its relationship with Pakistan. In response, Minister Qureshi stated that he would like to promote more high-level visits to expand the bilateral relationship. 
2. Minister Kono expressed his hope that Minister Qureshi would visit Japan as part of the efforts to steadily realize high-level visits and exchanges of views between the two countries. Minister Qureshi responded that he would like to visit Japan. 
3. Minister Kono expressed his expectations for expanding business exchanges between the two countries by holding the Pakistan-Japan Government Business Joint Dialogue and other initiatives. Minister Kono noted that Japan has provided supports in the education sector for a long time and would continue to support the socioeconomic development of Pakistan, including anti-corruption measures. Minister Qureshi expressed his appreciation for Japan's assistance and stated that economic recovery was a priority of the new Pakistani government.
   With regard to the economic policy of the new Pakistani government, the ministers exchanged views concerning efforts towards improving fiscal sustainability and transparency.
4. The ministers exchanged views regarding regional affairs, non-proliferation, and other issues. Minister Kono requested Pakistan's proactive cooperation for the peace and development of the region. Minister Qureshi stated that the new Pakistani government would give priority to regional stability and peace.