ISLAMABAD: The world should respond to the voices of the vulnerable people by working towards a world filled with cooperation, not division and confrontation, said Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro.

Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro made these remarks as he welcomed guests to the 69th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) that he and Wada Naoko hosted at the Marriott Hotel. Defence Attaché Colonel Abe Kazuo represented the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) at the embassy.

The ambassador said the world was increasingly divided over ideologies or values and facing multiple crises, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and most recently, the crisis in Gaza.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragic events and express my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured,” Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro said.

Giving a brief history of JSDF, Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro said Japan renounced the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.

The event was dedicated to honoring history and culture. The world has been fascinated by the cultural values of Japan. Among those cultural treasures, was the captivating Kendo demonstration for the audience, which held a special place at the event, offering deep insights into the country’s cherished values.

Kendo was a modern Japanese martial art, which is a testament to the essence of Japanese virtues. Guests were also served Japanese food.

The reception was attended by military officials as well as ministers, parliamentarians, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community and other dignitaries from the public and private sectors.

Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmed was the chief guest.

In his remarks about relations with Pakistan, Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro said: “I am very pleased to see the progress in defence exchanges and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan. I believe that the deepening of the exchanges and cooperation between the JSDF and Pakistan armed forces, in addition to the grassroot cooperation, will lead to the strengthening of Japan-Pakistan relations.”

In February, the Maritime Self-Defence Force participated in the multilateral joint exercise ‘AMAN23’ hosted by the Pakistani Navy. In August, the two countries co-hosted the Preparatory Meeting for the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Islamabad, the ambassador said.

In September, the 9th Japan-Pakistan Security Dialogue was held in Tokyo to discuss a wide range of issues including foreign policy, security policy and counter-terrorism measures, Wada Mitsuhiro said.

With regard to disaster relief, in the earthquake in 2005 and the floods in 2010 in Pakistan, the JSDF dispatched a helicopter unit to transport relief supplies and affected people as part of the Japan Disaster Relief Team.

The JSDF Day was originally celebrated when the Japan Defence Agency (upgraded to the ministry in 2007) and the JSDF were established on July 1, 1954, but the date has been changed to November 1, as the JSDF were expected to respond to natural disasters such as frequent typhoons in summer season in Japan.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023