By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan, Mr. Kuninori Matsuda called on Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz on Friday, discussed with him matters relating to Pak-Japan bilateral relations, current COVID-19 situation and media cooperation.
At the outset of the meeting, the Minister apprised the Japanese Ambassador about the latest announcement on 7th May by Prime Minister Imran Khan to relax the COVID-19 lockdown in a phased manner. He said that during the lockdown in the country, special attention has been paid to the welfare of the needy and poor segments of the society. He said that it has been our endeavor to care for both lives and livelihood.
Mr. Kuninori Matsuda said that Prime Minister of Pakistan has led the national response on COVID-19 pandemic from the very beginning which is highly commendable. He said that government’s due care for lives and livelihood during the campaign against corona pandemic was a great example to follow and it has really helped the cause of the poor and needy. The Ambassador recalled Pakistan’s support to Japan during the Tsunami and various incidents of earthquake. He said that Japan in the same spirit has provided $2.16 million assistance to Pakistan to fight the COVID-19. Japan will keep up its support to Pakistan in this hour of need.
Kuninori Matsuda expressed Japan’s keenness for support and cooperation in developing clean drinking water facilities, ecology protection and for measures regarding flood control. He said that Japan also intended to cooperate with Pakistan in the agricultural sector with particular emphasis on efforts for locust control. He said that once the situation turned to normal, a technical expert team will be invited to visit Pakistan to have meaningful exchange of views in the relevant sectors. He also briefed the Minister about the ongoing economic cooperation between the two countries including different projects.
Both sides also discussed matters pertaining to modernization and technical up-gradation of PTV and PBC. The Minister said that Pakistan will be eager to benefit from Japan’s expertise in this sphere. Senator Shibli Faraz welcomed the Japan Government’s $2.16 million assistance in the ongoing war against Corona pandemic. Information Minister also expressed his gratitude for provision of medical equipment and supplies by Fair Medical Company, Japan and emergency support by Japanese NGO KnK for deserving families in Mansehra and Haripur areas.
The Ambassador congratulated Senator Shibli Faraz for assuming his office as Minister for Information and Broadcasting and said that the decision was hailed by the media community. He wished him the best in his future endeavors for media development and well-being of journalist community in the country. The meeting was attended by senior officials from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
