Press Release - Ambassador meeting with Yomiuri Shimbun

Embassy of Pakistan, Tokyo
Press Section
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Press Release 

Tokyo (March 20, 2013) –Ambassador Farukh Amil (فاروق عامل) paid a visit to Yomiuri Shimbun, the leading Japanese language newspaper. He met with the senior team which included Mr. Takashi Sakamoto Deputy Managing Editor, Mr.  Michiro Okamoto Editor International News Department, Mr. Osamu Maruyama Staff Reporter and Mr. Rui Ozaki, International Affairs Section.

The Ambassador said that people in Pakistan genuinely admired the people and Government of Japan because of the long, close, friendly relations and unconditional support and assistance especially during natural calamities.

The Ambassador highlighted the cultural links between Ghandhara and Nara Civilizations, the upcoming elections in Pakistan including the major achievements of democracy, the positive role of the media in Pakistan, Japan-Pakistan business and trade relations and the empowerment of women. He underlined the need for new Japanese businesses to come to Pakistan and take opportunity of the investment friendly environment. The Ambassador stressed that Pakistan had already invited Japan to invest in the proposed Japan Export Processing zone, close to Port Qasim.

Responding to the question of the editor regarding Gwadar Port, the Ambassador dismissed rumors in some quarters, stating that the Port was purely a commercial port. The Ambassador highlighted the recent successful visit of the Japanese Naval Chief to Pakistan, where cooperation between the two Navies was discussed including in joint anti-piracy efforts at sea. 

Mr. Sakamoto thanked the assistance given by Pakistan during the Great East Japan Earthquake and said that in the changing geopolitical situation, Pakistan was becoming more important and destined to play a pivotal role in regional stability. He also thanked the Ambassador for his visit to the daily Yomiuri Shimbun office.