Japan Self-Defence Forces Day observed

Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda and Mrs Naoko Matsuda hosted a reception to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defence Forces Day.

Adjutant General, General Headquarters, Lt-Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza HI(M) was the chief guest on the occasion while Japanese Defence Attaché Col Mamoru Nanjo represented the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).

The national anthems of Japan and Pakistan were sung beautifully by a special choir of students from the Japanese Department of the National University of Modern Languages.

Mr Matsuda welcomed the eclectic gathering to the evening, saying, “this is the first celebration after the new Imperial Era of ‘Rei-wa’ began in Japan on May 1, this year, when our new emperor, His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, succeeded the imperial throne.

“Japan and Pakistan have enjoyed long relations of friendship and goodwill over the last seven decades, partly because Japan and Pakistan have many good things in common, such as beautiful nature and landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage, very warm and hospitable peoples. Now both countries see greater potential and many opportunities for further developing our mutually beneficial relations in the future.”The event also showcased various activities of Government of Japan’s grassroots grant projects, Jica programmes and the work of NGOs working with Japanese support in Pakistan. On display were some beautiful bonsai trees and photographs of Japan taken by a delegation of Pakistani photographers.

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

Sweden Day celebrated

Swedish Ambassador Ingrid Johansson hosted a reception to commemorate the National Day of Sweden at the Serena Hotel with more than 400 guests from different segments of society, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from the private sector, media and civil society.

Minister of State for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Shehryar Khan Afridi was the chief guest for the event which also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Pakistan.

He toured the stalls of the Swedish companies present in Pakistan, including ABB, Al-Hamd International Container Terminal, Ecolean, Ericsson, Oriflame, Panasian Group, SAAB, SIS Munters, STECH, Synavos, Scandilink/Alfa Laval, Synergy Computers (represents IFS), Talk pool, Svenska Rotor Maskiner — AB. Many of the companies showcased smart sustainable solutions they offer to the Pakistani market.

Ms Johansson said: “Today we celebrate both Sweden’s National Day and our 70 years of relations with Pakistan. We do this in the spirit of sustainability in its broader sense, including sustainable development and trade, women’s empowerment, green technology, democracy, human rights and much more.”’The Khawatoons’, Pakistan’s first all-female comedy group, entertained the audience with stand-up comedy.

Dressed in black shalwar kameez and colourful waistcoats, the troupe comprising Faiza Saleem, Natalia Gul Jillani and Jaweria Khan, performed short slapstick routines based on games. The talented comedians had the entire hall in stitches. Following the entertainment, some lucky lottery winners took home smartphones.

Argentinian envoy hosts farewell reception

Ambassador of Argentina Ivan Ivanissevich and Ana Walberg hosted a farewell reception at their residence before their imminent departure from Pakistan.

Mr Ivanissevich said: “Welcome to the Argentine residence which has been our home for the last three years and three months. This farewell party is a celebration of our stay here with many friends, the people who we met here and worked with, developed friendships with, who made our stay here so much more enjoyable and fruitful.”

He added, “I want to above anything else thank the staff of our embassy who are here today as guests. They have been a major reason why we were able to organise a few things and make some contributions to the bilateral relations between Argentina and Pakistan. I would also like to thank the friends who are part of the two hiking groups we are part of and the friends from the diplomatic community present here. We hope to be back in Pakistan, to renew our friendships and to hike a few more peaks in the north!”

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2019