PR No. 24 Islamabad

Rear Admiral Tatsuya FUKUDA, Commander Task Force 151 (CTF-151) Japan alongwith his delegation called on Secretary Defence, Lt Gen (Retd) Zamir-ul-Hassan Shah in Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi. He welcomed the delegates and emphasized that Pakistan-Japan diplomatic, military and economic relations are characterized by cordiality, goodwill and openness towards each other. Secretary Defence appreciated Japan’s keen interest and active role in promotion of peace and stability in South Asia and Afghanistan. He appreciated the regular holding of Pakistan-Japan Politico-Military Dialogue under MOFA and Military to Military Dialogue under MoD.

The Japanese Admiral appreciated the important role and valuable contributions of Pakistan Navy in the multinational Anti Piracy Task Force. Recognizing the achievements of Pakistan in the anti terrorist campaign, he expressed key interest of the Japanese authorities for expanding the existing level of defence collaboration with Pakistan’s Armed Forces.

Both the sides emphasized on the high level bilateral defence delegation visits /exchange and highlighted the need of more bilateral training programs. Secretary Defence stated offered that Japanese side may attend command and staff courses and other mid level courses in Pakistan.

The Secretary Defence also emphasized that Pakistan, in coordination with other regional and extra regional countries, is endeavouring its best for ensuring security/stability in the Indian Ocean Region and Arabian Sea.  He said that Pakistan believes in concept of collaborative security to counter maritime security challenges, he added.

Lt Gen (Retd) Zamir-ul-Hassan Shah, Secretary Defence appreciated JMSDF participation in AMAN series of exercises in Pakistan and highlighted the need for frequent exchange of Port calls by ships of two countries and also on the more frequent conduct of bilateral Naval Exercises and Passage Exercises (PASSEX) between ships of both the navies whenever opportunity arises. Secretary Defence expressed Pakistan’s desire for lasting peace in South Asia and Asia Pacific.

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