ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan on Thursday called on Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda.

According to a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy, the ambassador welcomed the POA president at his official residence — one year ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

During the meeting, the Japanese ambassador said, “I am looking forward to seeing Pakistan athletes being qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Games in coming months, and I would like to cooperate with retired Lt Gen Hasan to promote further people-to-people interactions between Japan and Pakistan.”

Ambassador Matsuda and the POA chief affirmed the importance of sports in diplomacy and business areas. Ambassador Matsuda said Japan would continue to provide all possible assistance to Pakistan in the field of sports.

The POA president thanked the Ambassador for his support and efforts towards promoting and further strengthening Japan-Pakistan relations.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2019