Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan holds in high esteem its partnership with Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) encompassing seven decades.

The bilateral ties between Pakistan and Japan will further grow stronger with the visit of (JICA) president Dr. Tanaka Akihiko to Pakistan.

A 9-member delegation led by President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dr. Tanaka Akihiko called on PM Shehbaz Sharif .

The two sides exchanged views on Pak-Japan cooperation, economic development , investment, technical assistance and fortification of partnership in diverse sectors.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has overcome difficult economic challenges through team work and process of reforms is underway on fast track basis for durable economic development.

He said providing youth with skills, technical training and opportunities for dignified employment, as well as empowering women, remains a top priority of the government.

The Prime Minister said development of the minerals sector is among the government's priorities and Pakistan welcomes JICA's technical cooperation in this regard.

Shehbaz Sharif said reforms have been introduced in the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), transforming it into an active and effective institution for the development and promotion of small and medium-sized businesses.

The JICA President said the international community, including Japan, appreciates Pakistan and its leadership's efforts for peace in the Middle East.

He said there is long history of cooperation between JICA and Pakistan and it is ready to further enhance cooperation in health, education, rural and urban development , industrial development and other areas.

He held JICA will further bolster cooperation with Pakistan according to federal and provincial government priorities.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal Ahad Khan Cheema, Dr Musaddaq Masud Malik, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Awais Khan and others also participated in the meeting.