Japan is a close friend and partner of Pakistan in its growth: PM

NEW YORK - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says Japan is a close friend and partner of Pakistan in its development.

He stated this in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who called on him in New York on Tuesday.

Prime Minister apprised him about efforts of Pakistan against terrorism and extremism in the country.

Japanese Prime Minister agreed to initiate dialogue for a free trade agreement with Pakistan. Prime Minister apprised his Japanese counterpart about the grave human rights violations of Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir.

He urged Japan to impress upon India to strop persecution in held valley and play its role for granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination as per UN resolutions.

Japanese Prime Minister also expressed grave concern over atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.



About Afghanistan , Prime Minister said stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan.

Japanese Prime Minister said there is a need to improve and broaden relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister said Japanese investor can benefit from diverse sectors of economy in Pakistan.

He said economy of the country is progressing and efforts are being made to get self-sufficiency in energy requirements.

Prime Minister said with the improvement of security situation economic activity has witnessed growth.

He said Japan is the largest trade partner of Pakistan and bilateral trade volume of should be enhanced.

Nawaz Sharif said Operation Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan have helped significantly in curbing terrorism and further improved law and order situation.