ISLAMABAD - The fifth round of Foreign Secretary level Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Tokyo on Thursday. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan Kenichiro Sasae led their respective delegations. During the consultations, the two sides reviewed their bilateral relations in depth and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. They agreed to intensify their multifaceted engagement and explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic field. There was broad consensus on issues of regional interest for peace and stability. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1952, Pakistan and Japan enjoy cordial relations based on mutual respect and trust. Japan is an important development partner for Pakistan. It hosted the Donors Conference and Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in April 2009. Foreign Secretary level consultations are one of the high-level institutional mechanisms established between the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest. The next round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2010.