Islamabad, 2 September 2022 (TDI): Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mitsuhiro Wada called on Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Shazia Marri at Benazir Income Support Program Headquarters, Islamabad.
Remarks of Federal Minister, Shazia Marri
Federal Minister, Shazia Marri said that “Pakistan and Japan have had cordial and cooperative relations for the last several decades”.
“We hope this relationship will continue to remain solid notwithstanding the regional and international developments and our respective relations with other countries”, she added.
“Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with Japan. We greatly value the important contributions made by Japan in supporting Pakistan’s development efforts over the years”, Shazia Marri said.
Federal Minister said that Japanese investment in Pakistan brings goodwill to the people of Pakistan and it strengthens our relationship.
Pointing to the flood situation in Pakistan, Shazia Marri highlighted the plight of pregnant women in the flood-affected areas who need the world’s attention. She said,
“We are still in the rescue stage but when the water will recede then we need a lot of resources for rehabilitation. We have never seen such a huge devastation”.
Remarks of Japanese Ambassador
The Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan said, “In spite of social and economic difficulties, people of Pakistan are kind to us”.
While commenting on the situation of floods in Pakistan, the Japanese Ambassador said, “Traditional and social media of Pakistan tried its best to get world’s attention at this critical juncture”.
Also Read: Pakistan, Japan celebrate 70 years of commercial ties
70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The year 2022 is marked as the “70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations” between the two countries. With regards to this, the Federal Minister said,
“The volume of our bilateral trade is much below our potential. I have noted that Japanese investments in Pakistan have declined in recent years.
Hope you would make an effort to enhance Japanese FDI to Pakistan. We need to further enhance our trade and economic ties with a view to achieving a win-win situation”.
However, Federal Minister appreciated the positive contribution of Japanese companies to the economic development of Pakistan.
During the meeting, she also highlighted that Pakistan is open for business and investment to all friends and partners, and would welcome Japanese Investment in all sectors.
Shazia Marri appreciated the Japanese Government’s decision to lower the infectious disease risk information level “Level 2 (Avoid non-essential travel)” to “Level 1 (Exercise caution)” for countries including Pakistan.
Federal Minister said that Pakistan is committed to enhancing its bilateral engagement and dialogue with Japan.
By the end of the meeting, both officials agreed on taking their relationship to a new and higher level of cooperation.
