ISLAMABAD, Dec 22: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has greeted his Japanese counterpart, H.E. Junichiro Koizumi, on his birthday and the National Day of Japan falling on Dec 23.

In his message, the prime minister said: “Excellency, I take immense pleasure in conveying, on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, most cordial and sincere greetings to Your Excellency, the government and the people of Japan on the auspicious occasion of your National Day and His Majesty’s Birthday.

“Pakistan and Japan enjoy multiple ties of friendship. I am confident that these traditional bilateral relations will be further strengthened in the years ahead for the mutual benefit of our two people and countries.

“It is also a matter of great delight for me to extend my best wishes for Your Excellency’s personal well-being, health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Japan.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration”.—APP