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Japan and Pakistan
have steadily evolved bilateral relations since 1952, when the two Asian
countries established diplomatic relations. During the nearly six decades,
the two countries exchanged a number of delegations, including leaders’ and
ministerial level visits. Recently, Japan’s Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada visited Pakistan in October, 2009, Japan’s
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Makiko Kikuta
visited Pakistan in November, 2010, and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited Japan in February, 2011.
Pakistan in Japan’s Foreign Policy
Japan attaches importance to Pakistan in its foreign relations. Pakistan
plays an essential role in fighting terrorism, which is one of major
challenges for the international community in the twenty first century.
Despite the sacrifices borne by the people of Pakistan, Pakistan has been
committed to fighting insurgency. Japan intends to support the people of
Pakistan to meet this challenge.
Pakistan is also a cornerstone in South Asia, connecting politically,
economically, and culturally to other countries in South Asia, Middle East,
and Central Asia. The Government of Japan supports Pakistan to further
contribute to intra and inter-regional stability and prosperity.
Japan thinks it important that stable development and democracy take root in
Pakistan as a moderate and modernized Islamic country for the sake of the
stability in the region.
Furthermore, Pakistan has vast potentials for economic development. Japan
will continue to work with Pakistan in order to strengthen cooperative
economic relations with Pakistan, which will be beneficial to both countries.
Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP)
Japan also takes initiatives to facilitate international assistance to
Pakistan as a member of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) group,
which was established in September 2008. A Ministerial Meeting of the FODP
and Pakistan Donors Conference were held in Tokyo in April 2009.
Flood Disaster in Pakistan
In response to the disastrous floods caused by unprecedented heavy rain in
the summer of 2010, Japan extended emergency humanitarian assistance. It’s
assistance includes emergency grant, emergency relief goods, as well as air
lift activities by Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopters (August 30-October 10)
and medical support activities (September 5-22) in southern Punjab.
President Zardari’s visit to Japan
President Zardari visited Japan on February 21-23,
2011. On February 22, he held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister
Naoto Kan, which was followed by a dinner. They discussed bilateral, regional
and global issues, and decided to further strengthen bilateral relations for
a comprehensive partnership for peace and development. In order to show
concrete steps towards the said partnership, they signed the Joint
Statement on Japan-Pakistan Comprehensive Partnership. On the following
day, the President made a state call on His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
During his stay, he also met Japanese parliamentarians and business leaders.
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