Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori congratulated the Pakistani people on the 74th Independence Day, and reiterated his resolve to further deepen and strengthen existing friendly relations between the two countries.

He said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Japan, I would like to express our sincere congratulations to the government and the people of Pakistan on their 74th Independence Day and best wishes for further peace and prosperity in Pakistan.

“I would also like to appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to maintain stability in this region and its contribution to various [United Nations] peacekeeping missions all over the world, and I am sure Pakistan will continue doing so.”

Ambassador Matsuda spoke of Pakistan’s significant role during the reconstruction of Japan after World War II.

He said: “When Japan started to pave the way for reconstruction after the end of World War II, Pakistan was one of those countries which manifested tolerance towards Japan and welcomed its return to the international community as a signatory of San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the government and the people of Pakistan for that critical and generous support of reconciliation.”

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2020