ISLAMABAD: According to Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Pakistanis owe a debt of gratitude to the Japanese for their generosity in providing development aid through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
According to him, Pakistan places a high value on its relations with Japan and the significant contributions that country has made to Pakistan’s development efforts over the years. The minister made this statement while attending as the chief guest at a special event held by the Japanese Embassy in Pakistan to commemorate His Majesty the Emperor’s 63rd birthday.
Japan and Pakistan have always had cordial bilateral relations.We honor the rich cultural heritage of Japan, a nation that has made immeasurable contributions to the world, particularly in the scientific field, the minister said as she sent her warmest congratulations to the government and people of Japan on the happy occasion. He stated that the Japanese people are renowned for their profound respect for traditions and their unwavering dedication to innovation. He claimed that JICA has given Pakistani socioeconomic development assistance totaling 13 billion US dollars over the years. He added that we are especially appreciative of the people and government of Japan for their assistance following the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022.
He stated that Pakistan and Japan always had friendly bilateral relations in political, economic, scientific and educational domains. “Pakistan is keen to take this relationship to a new and higher level of cooperation, with particular focus on economic and business ties, human resource development initiatives, defense, cultural and people-to-people contacts”.
The minister affirmed that Japanese companies have made a remarkable contribution in the development of Pakistan-Japan and investment relations. There are more than 80 Japanese companies working in Pakistan in auto, pharma, textile, steel, machinery and trading sectors.
Pakistan and Japan have also signed two Memoranda of Cooperation for collaboration in capacity building and manpower exports to Japan. These MOCs aim to pave the way for skilled Pakistani workers to make important contributions to the economic development of Japan.
In his concluding note, the minister reiterated the warmest birthday greetings to His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, and best wishes to the Japanese people, good health, peace and prosperity for the year ahead. He, together with Japanese Ambassador Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro and distinguished guests, also cut a cake to mark the 63rd Birthday of the Emperor.
