JAPAN'S RESPONSE TO AF-PAK STRATEGIC REVIEW

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 000779 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/A TOM REOTT E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/05/2019 TAGS: PREL AF PK JA SUBJECT: JAPAN'S RESPONSE TO AF-PAK STRATEGIC REVIEW REF: STATE 29485 Classified By: Acting DCM Mike Meserve for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (U) Japan welcomes the new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Nakasone told the press on March 31. Similarly, during his public remarks at The Hague on March 31 at the International Conference on Afghanistan, Nakasone stated: "I welcome the new policy laid out by the United States, which has much in common with our own vision." ¶2. (C) Separately, MOFA Southwest Asia Division Principal Deputy Director Aya Yoshida told political officer that Japan agrees Pakistan and Afghanistan must be addressed jointly, and it was for this reason that Tokyo decided to appoint a Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Yoshikawa. She affirmed that Japan shares most of the same concerns the United States has with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan, agrees that major efforts are needed to bolster the economy and democracy of Pakistan, and looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the United States to address the challenges raised by these two countries. She said that MOFA was also appreciative of U.S. statements pointing out contributions that Japan has been making in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. ZUMWALT