This was stated by Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan and Patron- in-Chief of PJBF Chihiro Atsumi. He was speaking at the annual general meeting of the PJBF here, said a statement on Sunday. It said that the Japanese envoy further added that the Japanese Embassy and the Japanese Consulate General were fully committed to the progress, influence, and growth of the PJBF.

He pledged the continued support for PJBF activities and also pointed out that the Joint Statement issued during the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Tokyo emphasised the strength of Pakistan-Japan bilateral relations and that the visit also further reinforced the commitment and support of Japan to Pakistan. He also stated that the Japanese vice Minister of Foreign Affairs is also a vocal supporter of Pakistan and this is good news for Pakistan.

Ambassador Atsumi further stated that a Coordination Committee has been formed under which all Japanese organisations in Pakistan will be able to coordinate and plan their activities so that a common and workable approach is maintained. Earlier, Chairman of PJBF Abdul Kader Jaffer presented the annual report and briefed the members about the recent visit of President Asif Zardari to Japan. He also announced the names of 10 Japanese and 10 Pakistanis who have been elected unopposed on the Board of Directors of PJBF for the next three years. Sohail P. Ahmed while addressing the members informed them about the AOTS programme and said that the PJBF delegation which accompanied President lobbied strongly for more courses for Pakistanis under the AOTS programme.

He was hopeful that inspite of the budget cuts; Pakistan will continue to receive maximum importance. PJBF Treasurer Feroz Shah presented the audited accounts which were unanimously approved. The AGM was attended by a large majority of members from Karachi and Lahore. Also present were Japanese Consul General M. Sato San, PJBF Senior Vice Chairman Nakagawa San, and Vice Chairman Majyd Aziz, past president Aziz Memon etc.