Tokyo: Ambassador Farukh Amil (فاروق عامل) delivered a lecture to the officers of different countries including Pakistan at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) - the leading Think Tank in Japan which has strong presence from the developing world. The participants are government officers from several countries including eight from Pakistan. It may be recalled that an MoU was signed between GRIPS and PIDE Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in January 2014 to encourage greater understanding between the think-tanks of the two countries. The Ambassador’s lecture was part of a series of lectures by the Ambassadors of different countries whose senior officers are undergoing training at the Institute.
Focus of the Ambassador’s lecture was diplomatic, political, economic, socio-cultural history of Pakistan and Pakistan-Japan relations. He highlighted the historical and cultural connection between the two countries.
The Ambassador elaborated different aspects of Pakistan’s society and culture. Underlining the importance of Pakistan-Japan relations he said both the countries have an honourable friendship based on mutual trust and dignity. He underscored Japan’s unconditional help and assistance in both building infrastructure in Pakistan and in response to natural calamities such as the 2005 Earthquake and 2010 floods.
The Ambassador referred to Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister’s statement at San Francisco Peace Conference (1951) wherein he urged that Japan should be treated with respect and dignity. He also mentioned Pakistani community in Japan’s passion, spirit and enthusiasm behind their efforts to help their Japanese brethren during The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. The lecture was followed by a lively question-answer session. Officers from various countries including Philippines, Bulgaria, Colombia and Afghanistan asked questions.
