Outgoing Japanese envoy optimistic about Pakistan’s long-term progress amid challenges

Islamabad : Japanese Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro is set to depart from Pakistan on November 19 to take up his new position as Ambassador to Croatia.

At a farewell reception for Pakistani dignitaries and friends at his official residence here, Mr Mitsuhiro reminisced about his three years of diplomatic service in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a very friendly country to Japan, and since taking office in October 2021, I’ve made efforts to deepen our historical ties through economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and personal interactions,” he said.

With the current year marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s official development assistance to Pakistan, the ambassador emphasised that Japan had always aimed to collaborate with local communities, empowering them to become self-sufficient.

He said that instead of merely providing money or goods, the Japan International Cooperation Agency focused on partnering with Pakistanis to help them drive their own development.

"The key [to development] is the people, and Pakistan is blessed with such talent,” he said.

Mr Mitsuhiro underscored the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, expressing hope that organisations like the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association, Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, Lahore Sogetsu Study Group, and Lahore Bonsai Society, along with MEXT Scholarship alumni, would continue to foster connections between Pakistan and Japan.

He also said that he met many wonderful individuals, who were dedicated to enhancing Japan-Pakistan relations.

“I am convinced that without the support of these great people, the friendship between Japan and Pakistan would have been impossible. I am deeply grateful to all of you,” he said.

Referring to the current difficult political, economic and security situations in Pakistan, the outgoing Japanese ambassador said that he knew how patient and resilient the Pakistani people were and how big the potential of the country was.

“Once the elite – politicians, the judiciary, the establishment and others – and the common people come together on the same cause and work hard to solve the problems, I have no doubt that Pakistan will overcome these difficulties and firmly develop in the long term,” he said.