Pakistan and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the momentum of bilateral engagement and further expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

This was reiterated in a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UNGA in New York today.

The two sides held a productive exchange on ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on trade and investment, education, health, the automobile sector and digital IT cooperation.

They also discussed regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic and mediation efforts in support of regional peace and stability.

Both sides expressed hope that all sides would return to dialogue and pursue implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

They also exchanged views on the implications of the situation for energy supplies, supply chains, and the global economy.