Zubair Qureshi
Deepening of exchanges and cooperations between the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the Pakistan Armed Forces reflect how close and friendly the two countries are as their bilateral ties are marked by decades of mutual cooperation respect and trust. These views were expressed by Ambassador of Japan Mr Wada Mitsuhiro at a reception he and Mrs. Wada Naoko had hosted to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the JSDF Day at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel on Wednesday.Defence Attaché, Col Abe Kazuo represented the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at the Embassy. Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmed, HI (M) of the Pakistan Armed Forces, was the chief guests on the occasion while Interim Minister for Information MurtazaSolangi and Caretaker Minister for Human Rights Khalil George were the guests of honour on the occasion. The reception was attended by the military officials as well as Ministers, parliamentarians, senior members of the Government of Pakistan, members of the diplomatic community and other dignitaries from the public and private sectors.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wada stated “I am very pleased to see the progress in defense exchanges and cooperations between Japan and Pakistan,” and “I believe that the Our relations in addition to the grassroots cooperation, will lead to the strengthening of the Japan-Pakistan relations, he said. In February, the Maritime Self-Defence Force participated in the multilateral joint exercise “AMAN23” hosted by the Pakistani Navy, said the ambassador adding in August, this year the two countries co-hosted the Preparatory Meeting for the UN Peacekeeping
Ministerial in Islamabad. Then again in September, the 9th Japan-Pakistan Security Dialogue was held in Tokyo to discuss a wide range of issues including foreign policy, security policy and counter-terrorism measures.
With regard to disaster relief, in the earthquake in 2005 and the floods in 2010 in Pakistan, the JSDF dispatched a helicopter unit to transport relief supplies and affected people as part of the Japan Disaster Relief Team. Earlier in March this year, in cooperation with the Pakistan Armed Forces and NATO, the JSDF conducted the airlift operation for the people of Türkiye affected by the devastating earthquake. As part of this operation, the JSDF transported tents and winter kits from Pakistan to Türkiye, he said.
