Pak, Japan to expand Defence, trade ties
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Japan have agreed to further intensify and promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and Defence for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
This was discussed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, and the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Seiji Kojima, here Friday. The envoy congratulated the Minister on assuming the charge of Minister for Defence. The meeting expressed satisfaction over the growing ties and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. It emphasized to further strengthen and broaden Defence cooperation.
The anti-terror efforts made by Pakistan also came under discussion at the meeting. The Minister informed the envoy that Pakistan was pursuing a multi- pronged strategy to contain and eliminate terrorism. He said the strategy adopted by the present government to initiate dialogue and negotiations with these elements had started paying the dividends and the security situation had witnessed a marked improvement since the formation of the new government.
The Ambassador also conveyed to the Minister that his country had resumed fuel supply to the Pakistan's Navy ships, which were taking part in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan. The Minister told the envoy that the environment in Pakistan wasinvestment-friendly and there were greater investment opportunities for theJapanese investors in various sectors. He stressed upon the envoy to bring Japanese industrialists and businessmen to benefit of the present environment and invest in textile, mobile and auto-parts sectors.
The Ambassador of Jordan to Pakistan, Dr. Saleh Ahmed Al-Jawarneh, also discussed with him matters of mutual interest. He felicitated the Minister on assumption the assignment of Minister for Defence. Pakistan attached greater significance to its ties with Jordan as the two countries had deep-rooted relationship based on shared faith and values, besides a commonality of perceptions on regional and international issues, he added.
They envoy informed the Minister that his country was keen to further expand and increase cooperation in the spheres of trade, economy and particularly Defence. He said Pakistan's assistance in this regard was of vital importance. The Minister assured the envoy that pakistan would continue to support the Jordan in these areas especially in the field of Defence.