ISLAMABAD: Japan has appreciated steps taken by Pakistan for consolidation of its nuclear export control regime and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. This was stated by the Press Secretary of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs while briefing newsmen about discussions of Japanese Foreign Minister with Pakistani leadership. He said Japan welcomes initiation of Pakistan-Japan Disarmament and Non-Proliferation talks.

He said during talks President and Prime Minister of Pakistan thanked Japan for its support in joining Asia-Europe Economic Summit during its next meeting in October this year. The spokesman said President Musharraf emphasized the need for enhancing the current bilateral trade that stands at about two billion dollars a year and Japanese investment in high tech, heavy industry and machine tools in Pakistan.

He hoped that the recent signing of agreement between the two countries on avoidance of double taxation would encourage Japanese investors to make investment in Pakistan. He, however, said Pakistan will have to improve security situation to create conducive environment for more investment. The spokesman pointed out that during 2006, about fourteen thousand Japanese tourists visited Pakistan but the number reduced drastically during last year.

He said Japan lauds Pakistan vital role in the war against terror and is ready to extend more support for economic development of FATA with a view to stabilizing situation there. He said Japan is also assisting Pakistan and international organizations in repatriation of Afghan refugees to their homeland. Japan has so far donated nearly 10.3 billion Yen for the purpose.

The spokesman said during his meetings with Pakistani leaders the visiting Japanese Foreign Minister conveyed the message that his country attaches great importance to the long-standing friendship with Pakistan. Japan also believes the stability and development of Pakistan is directly linked to the peace and stability of the Asian region as well as that of the international community as a whole.

He said Japan supports Pakistan, which has strengthened its democracy, as well as its renewed efforts to further its stability and development. He said Japan recognizes the serious efforts by Pakistan in fighting terrorism in the face of many to its people having fallen victim to terrorism.-SANA


Pakistan Times

The world needs blunt replies to their hypocricy. Once you show them your side with diplomatic force, they tend to become more understanding on your views.

This type of statements are look much more mature from Japan.

Japan expresses concern to Pakistan over missile tests



Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said Saturday that Japan will offer Pakistan 47.9 billion yen in loans for infrastructure development but also expressed Tokyo’s concern about missile tests conducted by Islamabad.

The remarks were made during a meeting in Islamabad between Komura and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. At a joint news conference, Komura said, “Stability and development of Pakistan are extremely important for peace and stability of the Asian region and the international community.” Komura said he expressed concern about Pakistan’s two tests in April of medium-range ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads, and said he wants to see positive efforts made toward nuclear nonproliferation.

That is an area Pakistan is extremely lacking. It has to start being forceful or else other bigger countries will continue treating it like a piece dirty cloth.