Pakistan Reaffirms Drive to Deepen Ties With Japan at Emperor’s Birthday Reception

Overview

• At a reception in Islamabad hosted by Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi for Emperor Naruhito’s 66th birthday, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the depth of Pakistan–Japan relations.
• Zardari pledged closer cooperation in development, technology, and people-to-people exchange as Pakistan seeks to build skills and institutional capacity.
• He asked guests to observe a minute of silence for victims of the recent Tarlai blast in Islamabad and reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of terrorism.
• The president cited Japan’s disaster assistance and long-term development role through JICA, noting that more than 80 Japanese companies operate in Pakistan.
• Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed commitments to the rule of law, multilateralism, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, signaled a desire to work closely with Pakistan including during its UN Security Council term, and speakers referenced Pakistan’s Expo 2025 awards and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory.