Pakistan, Japan agree to deepen bilateral relations in various fields

TOKYO: Pakistan and Japan Monday agreed to further deepen their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade, investment and Information Technology.

This was stated by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing a joint press conference along with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa here in Tokyo today.

He said the two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in mutually beneficial people-to-people contact, human resource development, tourism and agriculture sectors.

The foreign minister said Pakistan and Japan have further agreed to explore avenues for working together on targeted programs in domains of solarization, desalination, water purification and rebuilding of housing structures in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to conduct language skills assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate the export of a skilled workforce.

FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said we have also deliberated on scores of joint ventures by Japanese enterprise in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and Japan have cordial relations and are longstanding friends and share special bond, based on deep rooted linkages that go far in history and time. He said people of Pakistan carry deep sentiments of warmth and affection for Japan and its people.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relationship with Japan as both countries have also stood with each other in times of need.

On the occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his gratitude to his Japanese counterpart for hosting him and his delegation.