ISLAMABAD, May 11: Mitsuo Horiuchi, chairman of the Japan- Pakistan Parliamentarians Friendship League, has expressed satisfaction with the growing relationship between the Japan and Pakistan.

He was delivering his keynote speech on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at a reception hosted by Pakistani Ambassador Touqir Hussain in Tokyo the other day.

Mr Hussain lauded the Japanese assistance for the economic development of Pakistan, saying that as Pakistan strengthened its economy and enhanced its political stability through the reforms’ agenda of President Gen Pervez Musharraf, it could be even more valuable partner of Japan.

Yoshiro Mori, former prime minister of Japan, expressed satisfaction over the relations between the two countries and wished Pakistan uninterrupted progress.

Seiken Sugiura, Japan’s senior vice-foreign minister, said both the countries had developed a close friendship.