ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stressing the importance of relationship between Pakistan and Japan has said that Islamabad is eager to expand cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
According to a press release issued by the Senate Secretariate, the Chairman Senate expressed these views in a meeting with Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan at the Parliament House on Thursday.
The Chairman Senate termed Japan as a key development partner of Pakistan saying that both the countries enjoy cordial and friendly ties based on mutual respect and shared objectives of regional development.
During the meeting, crucial aspects of the Pakistan-Japan relationship came under discussion with an aim to further explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan across various areas.
Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani during the meeting acknowledged Japan’s support after the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani referred to former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to Japan from July 1-4, 2023, and his meetings with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi and Prime Minister highlight the robust bilateral engagement.
He noted the significance of high-level diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan and said their interactions provide further direction and momentum to deepen ties in diverse sectors.
Chairman Senate noted that the current bilateral trade volume stands at $1.27 billion, which is quite short of its true potential. He said both countries are encouraged to work together to boost bilateral trade.
He said Pakistan highly values Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) development initiatives and seeks to establish visible flagship projects. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Japan remains a key investment partner, and Pakistan welcomes increased investment from Japan.
He called on Japan to take an active role in the global effort to address the repatriation of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. Gilani asked Japan, to support and contribute to the initiatives aimed at facilitating safe repatriation of refugees.
Gilani said the Senate of Pakistan has established a Pak-Japan Friendship Group which will provide a suitable forum and should be regularly utilized to review and advance the relationship, stressing that regular parliamentary exchanges are crucial for strengthening bilateral ties.
Chairman Senate noted that encouraging progress has been made in exporting Pakistani manpower to Japan through Memoranda of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) Programs signed in 2019.
He added that the 25,000 Pakistani diaspora in Japan plays a vital role in Japan’s progress and development.
The meeting also highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Pakistan-Japan partnership, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration and investment to fully realize the potential of this important bilateral relationship.
