TOKYO, Japan - In a joint press stakeout in Tokyo, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that Pakistan and Japan had agreed further to deepen their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in multiple areas.

They appreciated the free bilateral relations and readiness to engage further. This visit marked the foreign minister's first official trip to Japan since assuming office last year.

During their meeting, the ministers identified various sectors for collaboration, including trade, investment, human resource development and exchange, IT, tourism, and agriculture.

They also discussed targeted programs with higher impact, such as solarisation, desalination, water purification, and housing and infrastructure rebuilding in flood-affected areas in Pakistan.

Furthermore, both sides agreed to conduct language skill assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan, aiming to facilitate the movement of skilled workers.

The export of young Pakistani skilled human resources to Japan and their language training were identified as a prime area of cooperation.

In addition, the ministers deliberated on investments and joint ventures by Japanese enterprises in Pakistan, further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Highlighting the historical and deep-rooted linkages between Pakistan and Japan, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the special bond shared by the two nations.

Overall, the meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and Japan marked a significant step in fostering closer bilateral cooperation and exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.