Japan-Pakistan Foreign Minister talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Tokyo on Monday.

Hayashi briefed Bhutto on the G7 Hiroshima Summit in May. He also outlined Japan's new plan for a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The foreign ministers agreed to promote a Japanese program in which skilled workers from Pakistan can work in certain industries facing labor shortages in Japan.

Pakistan is a key hub that connects Asia and the Middle East, adding that Japan considers the country an important partner. He also expressed hopes to activate exchanges with Pakistan in various fields, as well as to expand bilateral cooperation in the world community.