15 April 2009

Japan hosts Pakistan Donors Conference and Friends of Democratic Pakistan Group Ministerial Meeting on April 17: Pakistan’s President Zardari visits Japan

1.     Japan and the World Bank will co-host a Pakistan Donors Conference on April 17, 2009, in Tokyo.  Friends of Democratic Pakistan Group Ministerial Meeting will also be held by the Government of Pakistan on the same day in Tokyo. President of Pakistan Mr. Zardari will pay working visit to Japan from 15 to 17 April.

2.     Expected participants for the Pakistan Donors Conference include Japan, Pakistan, the World Bank, members of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Group Ministerial Meeting, and other countries and international organizations that have been providing economic assistance to Pakistan.  Pakistani President H. E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari will visit Japan for this occasion. Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan will hold a meeting with the President and the Emperor of Japan will receive the President in audience.

3.     Peace and stability in Pakistan are connected to the peace and stability of the international community as a whole including Japan.  Currently, Pakistan faces difficult challenges including economic reform and counter terrorism measures. At the Donor Conference, Pakistan will present its strategy for these challenges along with its assistance needs, and countries and international organizations will pledge additional resources to support Pakistan’s efforts.  At the conclusion of the Conference, a joint chairmen’s statement compiling the assistance announced by each country and international organization will be issued.

4.     Under the initiative of the host country, Pakistan, participants of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Group Ministerial Meeting will discuss a mid-term strategy for Pakistan, and each country is expected to announce political support for the country.