Japan hails resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue

"Prime Minister Kan welcomed the agreement between Pakistan and India on the resumption of dialogue on all issues following the Pakistan-India Foreign Secretary level talks in Thimphu, Bhutan, on February 6, 2011," a joint statement issued after talks between the two leaders said.

It said the two leaders reaffirmed that peace and prosperity in the South Asian region is vital for realising peace and prosperity across Asia and the world.

"In this regard, Prime Minister Kan expressed his commitment to support the role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia," the statement said.

President Zardari welcomed Japan's interest in the forum.

India and Pakistan had on February six decided to continue to hold dialogue after Foreign Secretaries of both countries met in Thimphu.

The two leaders decided to further strengthen bilateral relations for a comprehensive partnership for peace and development.

The statement said Zardari appreciated Japan's role in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the wider Asia-Pacific region, and in particular, Japan's efforts to promote stability and development in Afghanistan.

"Prime Minister Kan recognized the geo-political importance of Pakistan and appreciated the significant contributions being made by Pakistan in promoting global and regional peace, security and stability," the statement said.

They recognised that the stability and development of Afghanistan is vital for regional stability and stated that both governments will continue their support to Afghanistan.

Kan appreciated the role being played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and extremism and acknowledged the immense sacrifices, both human and material, made by Pakistan in the ongoing efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, it said.