Islamabad, Aug 29: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated on Thursday that Pakistan valued its relationship with Japan and was willing to increase collaboration in a number of areas where both parties might benefit.
In a meeting with Japan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Wada Mitsuhiro, the Chairman Senate acknowledged Japan as a vital development partner. According to a news release, he stated that both nations have friendly and cordial relations built on respect for one another and a common goal of regional development.
Important facets of the relationship between Pakistan and Japan were deliberated over at the conference with the intention of investigating potential avenues for improved cooperation.The conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen its alliance with Japan in a number of areas.Gilani specifically acknowledged Japan’s assistance in the wake of Pakistan’s catastrophic floods in 2022.
He recalled the July 1-4, 2023, visit of former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Japan, where he met with Prime Minister Hayashi and other foreign ministers. He emphasized the importance of high-level diplomatic ties, stating that these interactions give further direction and momentum to deepen ties in a variety of sectors. According to him, the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries is currently $1.27 billion, which is not up to par. He continued, “Collaboration between the two nations is encouraged in order to increase bilateral trade.”
The chairman said, “Pakistan aspires to construct prominent flagship projects and highly values the development endeavors of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He declared that Pakistan welcomed further Japanese investment and that Japan remained a significant investment partner.
Japan has been urged by Gilani to get actively involved in the global initiative addressing the repatriation of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan. He pleaded with Japan, a significant participant in international affairs, to back and contribute to the programs designed to enable the safe return of refugees.
Reiterating that regular parliamentary exchanges are deemed crucial for strengthening bilateral relations, the Chairman said that two countries have established various bilateral mechanisms for discussion. He also informed the Ambassador that the Senate of Pakistan had established a Pak-Japan Friendship Group, which would provide a suitable forum and should be regularly utilized to review and advance the relationship. These exchanges improve understanding between parties, foster interpersonal relationships, he continued.
The signing of Memoranda of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) Programs in 2019, Gilani celebrated the positive developments in the export of Pakistani labor to Japan. He said that the 25,000-person Pakistani diaspora in Japan made a substantial contribution to industries including the used car market, the carpet trade, and the halal food industry. He continued, “This community continues to be a vital asset to the Japanese economy.”
