Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, convened in Tokyo on Monday. Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, information technology, and tourism.
Bhutto-Zardari, on a four-day trip to Japan following a formal invitation, previously met the Pakistani diaspora in Tokyo. He highlighted the importance of boosting bilateral trade between the nations.
In a subsequent joint press conference, Bhutto-Zardari outlined the agreed-upon plan to deepen and broaden beneficial bilateral cooperation. The focal areas include trade, investment, human resource development, IT, tourism, and agriculture.
Both leaders also pledged to collaborate on targeted programs in solarisation, desalination, water purification, and rebuilding housing in flood-impacted Pakistani regions.
Emphasizing the longstanding friendship and the unique bond shared by both countries, Bhutto-Zardari expressed Pakistan’s high regard for its relationship with Japan, as both nations have historically supported each other during trying times.
Bhutto-Zardari recalled his previous meeting with Hayashi at last year’s ASEAN Regional Forum. He deemed their current discussion “very productive” and announced their decision to conduct Japanese language skills assessment tests in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of skilled labour.
Expressing gratitude for Japan’s support during last year’s devastating floods, Bhutto-Zardari shared his plans to engage with Japan’s private sector, local media, and think tanks during his visit. He invited Hayashi to visit Pakistan to continue their productive discussions.
