New Japanese ambassador has special interest in sports, culture

Islamabad: New Japanese ambassador to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda has said that he had special interest in sports and culture adding he would like to see Pakistan National Hockey team visiting Japan as soon as possible.

He said cricket was also getting popularity in Japan. Japan in this year would host under- 19 cricket championship, adding the event is expected to generate further interest in the game of cricket in Japan.

The envoy said both Japan and Pakistan enjoy excellent relations and during his tenure as Japanese ambassador to Pakistan, he would try his best to further strengthen and promote these relations.

He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of a reception he hosted at his residence.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad, Zulfi Bukhari and other notables including from the opposition parties including Senator Rehman Malik attended the reception.

The Japanese ambassador further said, relations between the two countries dated back to mid 40s when after Second World War, Japan imported huge cache of cotton from Karachi. He said in this backdrop, Japanese are very well aware of Pakistan, especially the port city of Karachi.

Ambassador Matsuda also mentioned about Ghandhara civilization and termed it yet another strong excuse to have deeper bilateral relations.

He said Japanese people take keen interest in Ghandhara civilization and the way this heritage is looked after by the Pakistan government.

The ambassador thanked the guests for gracing the occasion with their presence and wished to have their cooperation during his future years in Pakistan.