- Event in Islamabad Strengthens Bilateral Relations, with President Zardari as Chief Guest; Cooperation in Diplomacy, Economy, and Culture Emphasized
ISLAMABAD – A reception was held at the Serena Hotel to commemorate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan. Hosted by H.E. Ambassador Shuichi Akamatsu, the event was graced by the Chief Guest, H.E. President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, alongside numerous dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his honor at celebrating the Emperor’s birthday and the eighth year of His Majesty’s enthronement in the presence of such esteemed company.
Strengthening Political and Diplomatic Partnership
The Ambassador addressed key political developments, noting the strong mandate received by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law, multilateralism, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Acknowledging Pakistan’s current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized Japan’s desire to deepen cooperation on global and regional challenges.
Celebrating and Advancing Bilateral Cooperation
Reflecting on recent successes, the Ambassador highlighted the award-winning Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, which won a Bronze Prize and an Editors’ Choice Award, fostering greater awareness of Pakistan in Japan. He noted that the Expo also facilitated a revival of high-level exchanges, including visits by Pakistani ministers.
Looking forward, Ambassador Akamatsu outlined three priority areas for the bilateral relationship:
- Enhancing People-to-People Ties: Promoting mutual understanding through cultural and sporting exchanges, particularly surrounding the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Aichi, Japan.
- Deepening Economic Collaboration: Resuming yen loan projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) and expanding technical cooperation in Pakistan’s IT sector.
- Promoting Cultural Diplomacy: Showcasing Japanese cuisine—from sushi and tempura to wagyu beef—as a symbol of culture and health.
Expression of Solidarity
Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his profound condolences and solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack at a mosque in Islamabad, strongly condemning all acts of terrorism.
Cultural Showcase
The reception featured an exhibition of Japanese traditional arts, including Ikebana (flower arrangement) and Bonsai, presented by the Lahore Sogetsu Study Group and Lahore Bonsai Society. Displays by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and leading Japanese corporations such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda, and Sojitz highlighted the breadth of bilateral engagement. Guests were treated to a culinary highlight of specially prepared Japanese wagyu beef.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Akamatsu voiced his hope for a new era of even more active people-to-people exchange and strengthened cooperative relations between Japan and Pakistan.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
