ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Japan agreed to enhance cooperation in different fields, particularly in defence. Consensus to this effect was evolved at a meeting between Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the visiting Japanese Defence Minister, Ms. Yuriko KOIKE here today. Both sides exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance.
The Japanese Defence Minister said that the purpose of her visit to Pakistan was not only to enhance bilateral cooperation but also to strengthen coordination particularly international solidarity against the global war on terror. She said that international solidarity needed for fighting and defeating terrorism. She further stated that Pakistan and Japan are required to make defence cooperation more substantial. Pakistan’s role against the war on terror and situation in Afghanistan figured at the meeting.
The Defence Minister of Pakistan highlighted the steps taken by Pakistan against the war on terror. He told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan was strongly committed to fighting terrorism and had taken a number of measures in this regard. He informed his Japanese counterpart that Pakistan was the major stakeholder for promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and had engaged about one hundred thousand of troops on its border with Afghanistan to eliminate and flush out terrorists.
He told Ms. Yuriko KOIKE that Pakistan had been itself a victim of terrorism and had suffered a lot white ‘combating terrorist and extremist forces. The Japanese Defence Minister lauded the efforts and the significant contribution made by Pakistan against the war on terror. The Minister also told the Japanese Defence Minister that the situation in Afghanistan required to winning the hearts and mind of the people of Afghanistan and focus on the fast track development over there as the development was not taking peace with desirable pace.
The Minister conveyed to the Japanese Defence Minister that Pakistan appreciated the provision of fuel and water to Pakistan Navy Ships by Japanese Tankers in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan. The Minister requested for continuation of such provisions under the Special Measures Law of Japan. Earlier the Japanese Defence Minister on her arrival at Ministry of Defence, was received and welcomed by the Senior Minister for Defence, and other senior Military officials of Pakistan. A smartly turned out contingent of the three Armed Forces of Pakistan presented Guard of Honour to the distinguished guest, who reviewed the Guard and took the salute.
