New York, 23 September 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting took place on Thursday on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77).
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with H.E Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan on the sidelines of High-Level General Debate of the 77th Session of UN General Assembly (UNGA77) in New York.#PMPakatUNGA pic.twitter.com/OVJghVyJMU
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 23, 2022
During the meeting, both sides discussed ongoing bilateral relations between Japan and Pakistan. Additionally, they highlighted opportunities to further strengthen these ties.
Moreover, the two leaders also exchanged views on a wide range of other regional and international affairs.
Both Prime Ministers expressed that changing status-quo unilaterally by force in any region is never allowed. They suggested that states should resolve disputes through dialogue and respect international laws at all points.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. He stated that both countries have worked enormously to strengthen these ties throughout the past.
Additionally, he highlighted working together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and to take bilateral relations to an even higher level.
Correspondingly, Prime Minister Sharif also affirmed strengthening Japan-Pakistan ties in the future.
Discussion on floods:
The Prime Minister of Japan took the opportunity to express his condolences on the devastation caused by ongoing floods in Pakistan. He also highlighted Japan’s assistance to Pakistan to deal with the impacts of floods.
This includes Emergency Grant Aid of USD 7 million through international organizations. In response, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude for Japan’s help.
Also Read: Japan to provide emergency grant to Pakistan
Since mid-June, many areas of Pakistan have plunged into the water due to heavy monsoon rains. It has caused the deaths of many and severe damage to infrastructure in the flood-stricken area.
More than 1000 people have lost their lives due to the turmoil while many have lost their homes and sources of earning.
Countries and organizations from around the world have stepped forward in aiding Pakistan to bring relief to the flood-stricken people.
Earlier this month, the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, WADA Mitsuhiro announced the aid during his visit to Karachi. This represents that Japan has stood by Pakistan in every problematic hour and is still with the Pakistani nation in flood.
Gratitude for helping Japanese officials:
Prime Minister Kishida also thanked Pakistan for their generous support in protecting Japanese officials. The help came last August when the Taliban took over the authority of governance over Afghanistan.
Pakistan helped in the safe evacuation of Japanese nationals living in Afghanistan as well as the Afghan staff of the Japanese Embassy and the JICA office from Afghanistan.
Moreover, the Prime minister expressed his desire to work together to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan. In response, Prime Minister Sharif also stressed the importance of establishing stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan-Japan Relations:
Diplomatic ties between both countries were established in 1952. Japan has aided Pakistan whenever it was faced with challenging times.
Additionally, both countries enjoy good cooperation in politics, trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchange. According to 2021 estimates, about 1,027 Japanese are residing in Pakistan while 19,149 Pakistanis are living in Japan.
Moreover, in 2019, Japan’s exports and imports to Pakistan reached $ 186 million and $ 1.03 billion respectively. Both countries have maintained good diplomatic relations in history and affirm to strengthen these ties in the future.
