Tokyo  - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso on Thursday told visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari that stability in Pakistan is important for stability in south-western Asia.

"The stable development of Pakistan will directly lead to the stability of the entire region," the Kyoto News Agency quoted Aso as telling Zardari during a meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo.

The president was in Japan to attend a one-day donor conference scheduled for Friday, where 30 countries and international groups were expected to agree to provide
4 billion dollars over the next two years to Pakistan.

With the World Bank and Japan as co-chairs, the conference is aimed at bringing peace and stability to Pakistan and helping it overcome severe economic challenges.

Earlier in the day, Zardari called for more investment in Pakistan by Japanese companies during a meeting with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshihiro Nikai.

Zardari said Pakistan is planning to establish a special economic zone in Karachi and offer favourable treatment to Japanese firms operating in the area, a Japanese official said.

The president also said he is considering sending a business delegation to Japan next month to request more investment, Kyodo said.(dpa)