Islamabad: H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, hosted a farewell reception on 30th October 2024 at his Official Residence in Islamabad for Pakistani dignitaries and friends. Ambassador WADA is set to depart Pakistan on 19th November to assume his new role as Ambassador of Japan to Croatia.
Since taking office in October 2021, Ambassador WADA has served as Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan for over three years. Reflecting on his time in office, he remarked, “Pakistan is a nation that has shown great friendliness towards Japan. However, I have endeavored not to take this for granted, making various efforts in economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and personal interactions to further strengthen the historical bonds between our two nations.
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This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) to Pakistan. Ambassador WADA emphasized the significance of the human element in Japan’s ODA, stating, “We always aim to collaborate with the local population and ultimately empower them to be self-sufficient. Instead of merely providing financial aid or resources, JICA seeks to work alongside the Pakistani people, helping them to become the catalysts of development. The key is the people, and Pakistan is rich in talent.”
He also highlighted the importance of cultural and interpersonal exchanges, expressing hope that organizations like the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA), Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, Lahore Sogetsu Study Group, and Lahore Bonsai Society, along with those who have studied in Japan, including MEXT Scholarship alumni, will continue to foster connections between Pakistan and Japan.
Ambassador WADA further emphasized that he has encountered many remarkable individuals dedicated to enhancing Japan-Pakistan relations. He stated, “I am now convinced that without the support of these wonderful people, the friendship between Japan and Pakistan would not have been possible. I am truly grateful to all of you.”
Addressing the current challenging political, economic, and security circumstances in Pakistan, Ambassador WADA confidently remarked, “I understand well how patient and resilient the Pakistani people are and how immense the potential of this country is. Once the elite—politicians, the judiciary, the establishment, and others—join forces with the general populace on shared objectives and diligently work to address the challenges, I have no doubt that Pakistan will surmount these difficulties and progress steadily in the long run.” He reiterated Japan’s commitment to support Pakistan’s efforts in the upcoming years and decades.
Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi, the former Consul-General of Japan in Shanghai, will arrive in Pakistan in late November to take over from Ambassador WADA. Additionally, Minister TAKANO Shuichi, currently the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Brazil, will succeed Minister ITO Takeshi in late November. Ambassador WADA expressed hope that his friends in Pakistan will extend the same generous support to Ambassador & Mrs. AKAMATSU and Minister & Mrs. TAKANO as they have done for him.
