Japanese emperor’s birthday celebrated

Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 62nd birthday of Emperor Naruhito on March 29.

Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam was the chief guest on the occasion. The event was also attended Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib, parliamentarians, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic and business communities as well as the civil society.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Wada said: “Japan and Japanese people have never, and will never forget the graciousness that Pakistan showed in our most difficult times. In the wake of Tsunami, Pakistani residents in Japan went to the devastated areas and provided assistance to the affected Japanese people. Celebrating this national day, I would like to reaffirm my commitment to further expanding our relations, for our common future.”

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan, the ambassador said, adding that our relationship will continue to be strengthened through economic and historical ties that have been enhanced by cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions.

Syed Fakhar Imam said Japan was a great example of a modern developed state and Pakistan could learn from the Japanese model of development and economic progress.

Ambassador Wada and some of the dignitaries later cut a cake to mark the emperor’s birthday and the guests were treated to sushi, tempura and other Japanese delicacies.

Envoy speaks on Pakistan-Czech ties

The English Speaking Union (ESU) of Pakistan – Islamabad Chapter held an evening with Ambassador of the Czech Republic Tomas Smetanka, who was invited to speak on Pakistan-Czech relations, on April 1.

“It is my privilege to welcome you all tonight at a function of the English Speaking Union. I am very grateful to His Excellency Tomas Smetanka for accepting our invitation to be the keynote speaker and chief guest tonight,” ESU President Khalid Malik said.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Smetanka said: “When I get an opportunity to talk about the Czech Republic, I wonder where should I start; should I talk about what the Czech Republic is, but I think that won’t be necessary in this distinguished gathering.”

He said it would be 30 years since Czechoslovakia split into Czech Republic and Slovakia, but “I had to use the old name when talking to someone about the Czech Republic”.

“You of course know that the Czech Republic is the country in the very centre of Europe. There are many countries that claim that they are the heart of Europe, we are one of them,” he added.

The ambassador went on to discuss trade and commercial relations between Pakistan and the Czech Republic and current affairs including Ukraine and Russia.

Former federal minister Wazir Ahmed Jogezai and Chairman Zabeeh Group of Companies Ziaur Rehman Zabeeh hosted the event.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2022