ISLAMABAD, Jan 5 (APP): Pakistan and Japan Thursday signed two agreements formalizing 100 million dollar loan for earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction and human resource development. The agreements, for two projects for extension of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) were signed by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso. The soft loan of 100 million dollars for quake affected areas was announced by Japan during donors conference in Islamabad in November last year.
The loan is being extended on concessionary terms with an interest rate of 1.3 percent and repayment period of 30 years, including a grace period of 10 years. Under the second agreement, Japan has provided an initial grant of 230,000 dollars for enhancing the training capabilities of the Construction Machinery Training Institute (CMTI). The project would benefit the road construction workforce in mastering new technologies and meet the current demand for an appropriately skilled labour force. Later addressing a joint press conference Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said the two sides discussed a whole range of issues including bilateral relations, peace process with India, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kasuri said during the talks he stressed holding of annual discussions on security dialogue between the two countries. Taro Aso said the two sides have agreed to hold bilateral talks on disarmament and proliferation issues in the context of security dialogue. They also agreed to extend the scope of existing bilateral security dialogue to include two senior expert level working groups. One group would deal with counter terrorism issues and second with disarmament, non-proliferation, dual use technology, peaceful use of nuclear technology, nuclear safety and space technology.
To a question about the ongoing Pakistan-India composite Dialogue, the Japanese Foreign Minister said "we believe it is important to sort these issues through dialogue and negotiations." He appreciated Pakistan's efforts for seeking a peaceful resolution of the dispute with India. He said his country fully understands how difficult it was to resolve such disputes, but stressed that dialogue and not use of force, was the answer. Foreign Minister Kasuri said Pakistan had initiated the dialogue with sincerity and a hope to reach a settlement of the Kashmir issue which is acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This, he said, would ensure peace and prosperity for millions of people in South Asia. The two sides also discussed the war against terrorism, non-proliferation and situation in Afghanistan.
About Dr A Q Khan network, Taro Aso said his country appreciates the fact that Pakistan shared information with Japan on the issue. To a question he said Japan also takes up matters relating to nuclear proliferation with India and pointed there was no discrimination between India and Pakistan in this connection. Foreign Minister Kasuri said Pakistan's position was very clear on the matter and the country has taken "strongest possible measures" to ensure there was no proliferation. "Pakistan is very sorry and upset about what happened, but has taken the strongest action," he added. He said around 100 people from across the world were part of the underground network, but said no other country had taken a similar action against the nationals involved in such activity. "We believe in non-proliferation," he said.
Foreign Minister Kasuri when asked whether Pakistan would support any transfer of nuclear technology from DPRK to Iran, said Pakistan was strongly against any such transfer. He said the issue of Iranian nuclear programme should be resolved peacefully within the framework of International Atomic Energy Agency. Kasuri thanked Japan for the generous assistance in the wake of Oct 8 earthquake and additional assistance of US$ 55 million announced by Foreign Minister Taro Aso, bringing the total Japanese assistance to US$ 200 million. During the talks Foreign Minister Kasuri invited Japanese investment in Pakistan and requested for a review of quarantine restrictions on export of agricultural produce e.g. mangoes.
Provision of post graduate scholarships for Pakistani students, Japanese funds for the completion of the Indus Highway, revival of the Karachi Circular Railway project and promotion of tourism were also discussed. He said 80 per cent work on the Indus Highway, has completed and Pakistan has sought Japan's assistance in completing the project. The Japanese Foreign Minister promised to consider these projects very seriously. Taro Aso said he was convinced of a great potential to increase Pakistan-Japan cooperation in different fields. Foreign Minister Kasuri congratulated Japan on its joining the SAARC as an observer.