Message from Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan

On the auspicious occasion of the 85th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, it is a pleasure and a privilege for me to address the Pakistani people. On this occasion I would like to, on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, extend my warmest greetings and sincere gratitude to the leadership and the people of Pakistan for their messages of good wishes and felicitations on the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
His Majesty Emperor Akihito was born in Tokyo on 23rd December, 1933 as the first son of the late Emperor Hirohito (Showa). This day is celebrated as a national holiday in Japan. The Imperial Household of Japan is the oldest existing lineage in the world, dating more than 2000 years back.
Since his accession to the throne as the 125th Emperor in January 1989, His Majesty Emperor Akihito has been vigorously acting as the symbol of Japan, for peace and stability of the country and for further strengthening friendship with foreign countries including Pakistan.
It is worth mentioning here that in 1962, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited Pakistan as then Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess. As is announced earlier, on April 30, 2019 His Majesty Emperor Akihito will abdicate and Crown Prince will ascend throne on 1st May 2019.
Japan and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on April 28, 1952, and ever since have enjoyed very close and cordial relationship. I am very pleased to note that our bilateral relations have strengthened over the decades, and have become increasingly multifaceted. As the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, my priority is to further develop and deepen our long- standing and warmly-cherished mutual cooperation.
I would like to mention here that a number of high level dignitaries from Japan have visited Pakistan in the recent past and held meaningful discussions with the Pakistani counterparts, which have made our relations even more vibrant. In August this year, shortly after the new Prime Minister of Pakistan took the oath, H.E. Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Pakistan and met H.E. Mr. Imran Khan as the first foreign VIP.
Earlier in January, H.E. Mr. Taro KONO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on his two days visit to Pakistan, met with his counterpart and high dignitaries of Pakistan to discuss matters of bilateral relations and of regional and international stability. This turned out the first visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister to Pakistan since 2009.
The cordial and friendly relationship between Japan and Pakistan in modern history is closely related to cooperation in economic and business fields. In the 1950s and 60s, Pakistan exported raw cotton to Japan. Japan processed the cotton into yarn and cloth, and exported them to the world including Pakistan. Japan, in return, exported spindles to Pakistan. In this way Japan and Pakistan helped each other in their industrialization, particularly, in textile sector.
Japan has remained one of the major bilateral development partners to Pakistan since 1954, extending assistance in multifaceted sectors of development. This includes Yen Loan Assistance for development projects, grant assistance for social sector projects and technical cooperation for technology transfer and human resource development.
Japanese Yen loan, grant assistance, and technical assistance, have been utilized mostly for supporting infrastructure building and social development, which include road, power generation/transmission/distribution, agriculture, education, health, security, disaster management, climate change and human resources development.
Among others, polio eradication should be highlighted as one of the focused areas. The government of Japan, together with other partners, has consistently assisted Pakistan to eliminate this disease from the country.
In addition to the Japanese assistance implemented through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan funds many of the UN agencies' projects in Pakistan, especially in the areas of refugee assistance, livelihood improvement in the erstwhile FATA districts, border management, and strengthening law enforcement agencies.
The Government of Japan also offers scholarships to Pakistani students as well as professionals working in various fields every year aiming to help Pakistan in its efforts for human resource development. The Embassy organises variety of cultural events in many cities of Pakistan so that more Pakistani people can get acquainted with the Japanese culture. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are the very foundation for the relationship among the states from a long term perspective.
In this regard, I actively support events and programs which encourage further contacts and deepen mutual understanding between the two communities. We hope these opportunities will strengthen even further the cordial relationship between the two countries. I would be extremely happy to see both our countries and our peoples working together towards further enhancing the bilateral relationship between Japan and Pakistan all the across board.
During my stay in Pakistan since April 2016, I have visited many places in the country from cities to rural areas. Wherever I go, I have been welcomed by the local people and been moved by the kind hospitality being accorded to me.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks, respect and best wishes to all the Pakistani people, who are so hospitable to us and are working hard to overcome difficulties and bring the country forward. On this occasion of the birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Emperor, we must renew ourselves to further develop our close relations and make a firm resolve to deepen our cherished ties further, which will amplify the welfare of both peoples. Long Live Japan-Pakistan Friendship. Japan-Pakistan Zindabad!