Dear Pakistani Friends. Assalamu Alaikum.
As the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, it is my pleasure and excitement to contribute to the development of relationship between Japan and Pakistan especially at this very important time.
In 2022, our two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. At this wonderful opportunity, I will sincerely pursue my duties to develop further the existing friendly relationship in various fields such as politics, security, economy and culture.
Japan and Pakistan, as long-time true friends and trusted partners, continued cooperating with each other over the years both in peace times as well as in crises.
On this occasion of the 70th anniversary, we will revisit what we have accomplished in the past and review what we would like to accomplish in the future as long-time true friends and trusted partners.
Development cooperation between the two countries had started back in 1954. Japan has provided Pakistan with the second largest cumulative amount of assistance after the United States. The effect of utilising Japan’s strengths towards the development of Pakistan and the region will continue. We are committed to continue providing support to Pakistan for its socio-economic development.
Business cooperation is also a very important area for further development in 2020, the amount of export of some Pakistani products including fresh mangoes, dates, salt and shrimps to Japan stood at a record high. Moreover, Japanese companies located in Pakistan have established long-standing business relations with Pakistan and contributed to Pakistani economic development through large amounts of investment and employment.
As evidence of the above, I am delighted to see many Pakistani people driving Japanese cars and motorcycles in Islamabad.
Exchange of people in various fields has promoted our relationship, thanks to cooperation with Pakistani organizations such as the Monbukagakusho-MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) that has promoted education exchanges between the two countries.
A special notice should be made to the Pakistani athletes who competed at their best in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games even during the COVID-19 situation in the summer of 2021.
Culture is also another focus. We are now coordinating with the Pakistani Authority for the provision of cultural grant assistance for the improvement of equipment for the exhibition and conservation at the Taxila Museum.
Pakistan’s adoption of Japanese “Miyawaki Method” for tree planting is another good example. You will find more information on this method and related exchanges in this issue.
The Embassy of Japan in Islamabad and Consulate General in Karachi welcome you and your feeds to join us to celebrate this 70th anniversary in 2022. Please check the endorsement process on our website to participate in the celebration.
I invite you to make joint efforts for further strengthening the stable, vibrant and prosperous Japan-Pakistan relations.
Long live Japan-Pakistan Friendship (Japan Pakistan Dosti Zindabadi)
WADA Mitsuhiro
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan
Courtesy Japan Information Bulletin – 30 Jan 2022
