Speech at the annual meeting of the Japan -Pakistan Association Jan 2002 Mr. Akira Watari, Chairman, Japan-Pakistan Association, Distinguished guests On behalf of Embassy of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf I would like to extend warm greetings to the distinguished guests present tonight on the happy occasion of the commencement of the New Year. I appreciate the initiative of Japan-Pakistan Association to hold this joint New Year party. The year 2002 has a special significance for Japan-Pakistan relations as we celebrate this year the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our countries. Many positive developments have taken place in our bilateral relations in recent months to enhance the significance of this landmark anniversary. These developments provide an auspicious environment to build on the goodwill of this special anniversary and carry forward our relations to new heights. I know all of you present here have been committed to a long standing friendship for Pakistan. You have contributed your time and energy in the past to the building of this relationship. Many of you have emotional ties with Pakistan and most have been a little disappointed, as much as I have been, with the difficulties that Pakistan has passed through recent years and how it has affected the relationship between our two countries. It is not a diplomatic propaganda to say that the present government of President Musharraf has played a historic role in the last two years to address some of the fundamental economic and social problems that we have faced which were legacy of long years of misrule by the politicians. I know there have been concerns about lack of formal democracy in Pakistan but what good a democracy if it does not address people’s aspirations for a fair, just and prosperous society. President Musharraf wants to build a new Pakista. At the same time he remains committed to the restoration of democracy. As announced by him elections will be held in October this year to put us firmly on the democratic path. This should all give you optimism and hope for the future of Pakistan. Pakistan has played a key role in support of international efforts against terrorism and its international image has also vastly improved. I do not need to speak much about it as you see it daily on television. This should be a moment of pride for all of you that a country whose interests and image you are defending and propagating through Japan-Pakistan Association is now being appreciated by all over the world. We all, therefore, need to intensify our efforts to carry on our good work. I must admit the Association and the Embassy have not had regular and intensive contact in recent years. The reasons I have already spelled out. Pakistan and Japan have a lot to offer to each other. Japan is one of the most highly respected countries in Pakistan. Even during the days of the economic sanctions there was no diminishing of the goodwill in Japan for Pakistan. You all, therefore, should be happy that you are, in your own way, are representing a country which feels itself so close to Japan. Its history, its culture, mountains and the warmth and hospitality of the people are still shining for Japan as brightly as before. Let us resolve to carry on this light for the benefit of the Japanese people. This year gives us a good opportunity to engage in a range of activities where we can not only project Pakistan but also highlight some of the things we can do together to intensify our economic, social, cultural and touristic cooperation. I am looking forward to your cooperation and I assure you of mine. Let us pray for the Pakistan-Japan solidarity and renew our commitment to further advance these relations into 21st Century.