Islamabad, 3 August 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received the Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honda Taro, today.
Earlier, Honda Taro had also called on the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the value Pakistan places on its long-standing ties with Japan.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to further fortify this beneficial partnership in all areas. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif further praised the Government of Japan for its support of Pakistan’s socioeconomic and infrastructure development.
In the same vein, he highlighted the two countries’ friendly and cooperative relations. Along these lines, he underscored the need for increased bilateral collaboration in industries including commerce, investment, IT, renewable energy, and others.
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed appreciation for the investments made by Japanese companies in Pakistan over the course of many years.
He gave the assurance that the government will use every available means to support increasing these investments. The necessity for high-level interactions between the two nations was also highlighted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
The human and material losses brought on by the floods in Pakistan were regretted by the Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He complimented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his personal efforts to advance collaboration between Pakistan and Japan, reiterating Japan’s commitment to continue enhancing bilateral ties with Pakistan.
Moreover, Honda Taro expressed Japan’s sustained support for Pakistan in the form of increased trade, investment, and socioeconomic advancement.
In addition to that, the Prime Minister was also briefed by Vice Minister Honda on the assistance provided by JICA in Pakistan, particularly in the areas of health, water, sanitation, and disaster relief.
Lastly, the two sides also discussed the terrible situation in IIOJK during the meeting, and the Prime Minister stressed the importance of a peaceful conclusion to the Jammu and Kashmir conflict for long-term stability, security, and development in the South Asia region.
