Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan celebrated the 83rd birthday of Emperor of Japan Akihito here.

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed was the chief guest and the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai and his wife welcomed the guests at the reception.

Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Pir Amin Ul Hasant, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, head of Awami Muslim League, former federal minister Nisar Memon, Spokesman of foreign Office Nafees Zakaria, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, ambassadors, High Commissioners of various countries participated in the reception.

The ceremony started with anthems of Japan and Pakistan then cake was cut by the chief guests, Japanese Ambassador and other guests. Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed said that Pakistan and Japan have cordial relations. He said during the Second World War Japan had seen a lot of destruction, but after it emerged once again as more a developed country.

“We are not only friendly countries but both have brotherly ties too and future relations would be further enhanced” he said. Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Kurai thanked all the guests for their participation in the celebrations of the 83rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

He said that Japan and Pakistan has 64 years of friendship consolidated with sincere good will and mutual respect. Pakistan is a first country that started to export cotton to Japan after the Second World War, which played an important role for the post-war development of industries. Pakistani port, Karachi, had one of the biggest offices of Japan outside the country for trading companies in the 1950s and the 60s.

The priorities for the Official Development Assistance of Japan have been put, in particular, to quality growth, health systems, education, disaster management and climate change, all of which are the priorities in our assistance to Pakistan as well. Speaking to Daily Times Ambassador Kurai said that 64 years of cordial relationship between Japan and Pakistani are valuable asset for both countries. He said in future both countries will use the potential, which earlier not been fully utilised. He said Japan given great importance to Pakistan and in various fields providing financial as well technical assistance to the county. He said in future relations between two countries further strengthen and deepen the already good relationship for the benefit of both countries. Senior Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yamaguchi Maichino told Daily Times that her organisation providing support to Pakistan more than 60 years now. JICA have currently projects in Pakistan in health, education, environment, energy sectors and industrial development of Pakistan.

She said that in future too JICA would continue technical and financial assistance of Pakistan in various fields and sectors. Japanese companies put their stalls including Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kansai Paint, NEC and NIPRO.