President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership with Japan

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties in development, technology and people-to-people exchanges with Japan.

“Pakistan and Japan enjoy a relationship rooted in decades of trust, mutual respect and consistent cooperation,” President Zardari said while addressing a reception to mark Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s 66th birthday.

He highlighted Japan’s continued support to Pakistan and its vital role in the country’s development journey.

At the beginning of the event, President Zardari requested the participants to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the martyrs of the recent blast in Tarlai, Islamabad and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.

“Japan is widely admired around the world for its technological achievements and its rich cultural heritage,” President Zardari said, adding, “The Japanese people place great importance on discipline and dignity. They value family and community, and they honor tradition while steadily embracing progress and innovation. These qualities are well understood and appreciated in Pakistan.”

He emphasized that Pakistan attached great importance to its relationship with Japan, describing it as a partnership that had grown steadily over many decades of diplomatic ties.

“Japan has stood with Pakistan in difficult times,” he said, recalling Japan’s compassionate and practical support during climate-related disasters.

He said beyond the immediate assistance, Japan’s continued commitment to development cooperation and disaster risk preparedness had been deeply appreciated and widely felt. “For this we are deeply grateful,” he added.

President Zardari said Pakistan looked to Japan as a model of technological excellence and innovation and sought to learn from its experience to build skills, strengthen institutions and prepare its youth for the future.

On economic cooperation, he noted that more than 80 Japanese companies are currently operating in Pakistan, contributing to economic growth, creating employment and sharing valuable expertise, which reflected Japan’s confidence in Pakistan’s potential.

Referring to Pakistan’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, the President said the country linked trade routes, energy corridors and regional markets, providing significant opportunities along with shared responsibilities.

In this context, he appreciated Japan’s long-standing contribution to Pakistan’s development, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which he described as a respected symbol of sustainable and people-centered progress.

“Pakistan and Japan share a belief in strong families, social harmony and respect for human dignity. These common principles give depth and resilience to our partnership,” the president said, adding that he was confident that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger with purpose, clarity and shared ambition.

The President congratulated Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her landslide election victory.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla also presented a letter from the President with best wishes for the Emperor’s 66th birthday to the Japanese Ambassador.