To all dear Pakistani friends, we would like to celebrate the first National Day of Japan in Reiwa Era with you.

Japan and Pakistan have enjoyed several decades of cordial relations in various fields. Even prior to Pakistan's independence, the Japanese companies were active in this region. They mainly imported cotton from Pakistan to Japan and produced and exported textile goods. Textile was Japan's primary industry before WWII and cotton produced here had contributed to our economy significantly.

After its independence, Pakistan supported our joining the United Nations, which we still remember and appreciate.

During and after the war in Afghanistan, the conflict and instability in the region had a huge impact on Pakistan, receiving and hosting a large number of Afghan refugees to this day. Japan has seen the importance of Pakistan's effort and assisted Pakistan in this regard.

In the 1990's, Japan was the top donor of ODA to Pakistan. Today, Japan cooperates with Pakistan not only through ODA, but also as a business partner.

Pakistan's security situation has improved drastically over the last five years and a business-friendly environment has been successfully created. The Japanese companies are now ready to invest in the Pakistani markets. We hope our trade relations will be strengthened further in the future.

We also built a close relationship culturally. In Karachi, we have more than 20 Japan-affiliated cultural groups, and to our surprise, there are even Japanese pop culture groups active here.

Last year, two Japanese scholars attended the Alamy Urdu conference held in Karachi and enjoyed an exchange of views on Urdu literature.

This year is a big year for us and in the sporting landscape with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 on the calendar. Pakistani players will also participate in the games and we hope they enjoy great success.

We are certain that our bilateral relations will flourish continuously. I, as Consul-General of Japan, will continue to give my utmost efforts for the mutual prosperity of the two nations.

Pakistan Japan Dosty Zindabad!