ISLAMABAD: Japan will continue supporting Pakistan in mutually agreed priority sectors including health, education, environment, water and governance, outgoing Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhira Wada said on Thursday.

The ambassador had a meeting with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Aurangzeb and discussed longstanding bilateral cooperation and shared values and perspectives on regional and global matters between Pakistan and Japan.

Mr Wada also highlighted the positive trajectory of ongoing bilateral ties characterised by a steady promotion of trade and commerce, growing cultural, sports, youth and educational exchanges. He reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to continue this support.

The ambassador, who completed his three-year tenure in Pakistan, reflected on a steady growth of bilateral economic and diplomatic relations since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1952.

The finance minister acknowledged and appreciated the longstanding bilateral cooperation and highlighted the significance of Japan’s developmental and economic assistance and its vital role in helping Pakistan overcome economic challenges and strengthen its economy.

He said both nations had significant potential to strengthen their ties through increased exchanges in trade, culture, education and people-people interaction.

The minister also shared with the ambassador an update on the state of economy and the significant improvement in various macroeconomic indicators. He said the government was determined to pursue its reform agenda as staying the course without any complacency was a key to ensuring permanence to the macro-economic stability achieved during the last 14 months.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024