UNITED NATIONS, (APP): Japan, Austria and Switzerland
have underscored commitment to further strengthen existing cordial
relations with Pakistan and promote mutual understanding on regional
and international issues of common concerns.
This was discussed by Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz with
Foreign Minsters Fumio Kishida of Japan, Sebastian Kurz of Austria
and Didier Burkhalter of Switzerland, in separate meetings held
today in New York, on the sidelines of the 71st session of the
United Nations General Assembly.
Acknowledging the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the
campaign against terrorism, the three Foreign Ministers appreciated
successful counterterrorism operations conducted in tribal areas and
the rest of the country.
Sartaj Aziz noted that as a result of these operations, the
security situation in the country has improved, which has enabled
Pakistan’s economy to grow at steady and sustainable rate. He
welcomed investments from Japan, Austria and Switzerland in
Pakistan.
Aziz also briefed his counterparts on Pakistan-India relations
and the situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK).
Highlighting human rights abuse perpetrated by Indian security
forces with impunity in IOK, he said settlement of Jammu and Kashmir
dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council
resolutions, was essential for peace and stability of South Asia.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan attached high
priority to its relations with Pakistan. He evinced keen interest in
investment in Pakistan’s power sector and greater interaction of
private sectors of the two countries.
He welcomed the visit of Pakistan’s business delegation to
Japan. He also reiterated his invitation to Sartaj Aziz to visit
Japan.
Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz of Austria welcomed the
prospects of Austrian investment in Pakistan due to improved
security situation. He recognized significant potential of
cooperation between the two sides in renewable energy.
Foreign Minister (Federal Councillor) Didier Burkhalter of
Switzerland said that Swiss Development Cooperation was completing
its fifty years of work in Pakistan. With improved security
situation, the prospects of further expanding its work, according of
Pakistan’s priorities, were positive.
He offered Swiss cooperation in Pakistan’s water management
sector. He appreciated Pakistan’s role in hosting Afghan refugees
for the last thirty years.
Other issues discussed in these meetings were cooperation in
multilateral organization, Pakistan’s application for membership of
Nuclear Suppliers Group, the situation in Afghanistan and ongoing
conferences and themes of 71st United Nations General Assembly.
Sartaj discusses situation in Kashmir, bilateral ties with FMs of
Japan, Austria, Switzerland
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 21 (APP): Japan, Austria and Switzerland
have underscored commitment to further strengthen existing cordial
relations with Pakistan and promote mutual understanding on regional
and international issues of common concerns.
This was discussed by Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz with
Foreign Minsters Fumio Kishida of Japan, Sebastian Kurz of Austria
and Didier Burkhalter of Switzerland, in separate meetings held
today in New York, on the sidelines of the 71st session of the
United Nations General Assembly.
Acknowledging the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the
campaign against terrorism, the three Foreign Ministers appreciated
successful counterterrorism operations conducted in tribal areas and
the rest of the country.
Sartaj Aziz noted that as a result of these operations, the
security situation in the country has improved, which has enabled
Pakistan’s economy to grow at steady and sustainable rate. He
welcomed investments from Japan, Austria and Switzerland in
Pakistan.
Aziz also briefed his counterparts on Pakistan-India relations
and the situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK).
Highlighting human rights abuse perpetrated by Indian security
forces with impunity in IOK, he said settlement of Jammu and Kashmir
dispute, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council
resolutions, was essential for peace and stability of South Asia.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan attached high
priority to its relations with Pakistan. He evinced keen interest in
investment in Pakistan’s power sector and greater interaction of
private sectors of the two countries.
He welcomed the visit of Pakistan’s business delegation to
Japan. He also reiterated his invitation to Sartaj Aziz to visit
Japan.
Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz of Austria welcomed the
prospects of Austrian investment in Pakistan due to improved
security situation. He recognized significant potential of
cooperation between the two sides in renewable energy.
Foreign Minister (Federal Councillor) Didier Burkhalter of
Switzerland said that Swiss Development Cooperation was completing
its fifty years of work in Pakistan. With improved security
situation, the prospects of further expanding its work, according of
Pakistan’s priorities, were positive.
He offered Swiss cooperation in Pakistan’s water management
sector. He appreciated Pakistan’s role in hosting Afghan refugees
for the last thirty years.
Other issues discussed in these meetings were cooperation in
multilateral organization, Pakistan’s application for membership of
Nuclear Suppliers Group, the situation in Afghanistan and ongoing
conferences and themes of 71st United Nations General Assembly.