Japan's assistance for socioeconomic development likely.

ISLAMABAD -- Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister of Japan Kentaro Sonoura has expressed his interest in assisting Pakistan in socio-economic development, particularly through export promotion, increase in agricultural productivity, ICT, polio eradication and water resource management.

According to a PM Office statement issued on Monday, the Japanese official called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Khan highlighted his government's initiatives to spur economic growth through investment-friendly, development-focused and people-centered policies.

He stressed the importance of Pakistan and Japan working together to enhance mutually-beneficial cooperation, particularly in the fields of investment, trade, agriculture, industry, human resource development, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

He appreciated the signing of memorandum of cooperation (MoC) on a skilled workers programme and added that it would benefit the economies of both countries.

The prime minister highlighted the worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in occupied Kashmir and serious risks to peace and security posed by India's belligerent posture and illegal actions. He expressed the hope that the international community would play its role in ensuring respect of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiris and facilitating a just resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

PM Khan also expressed his condolences over the tragic killing of Japanese aid worker Tetsu Nakamura in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

The special adviser on foreign affairs conveyed Japan's appreciation for the prime minister's efforts for economic development and regional peace.

In the regional context, the Japanese official lauded Pakistan's support for the efforts for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He underlined Japan's stance that human rights must be respected under all circumstances and hoped that escalation of tensions would be contained and peace and stability preserved in South Asia.

Mr...