ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing partnership with Japan, with a renewed focus on development cooperation, technological collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges, describing bilateral relations as a model of trust, mutual respect, and consistency.

Addressing a reception held to mark the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan, President Zardari said Pakistan–Japan relations, built over decades, had matured into a resilient and forward-looking partnership.

“Pakistan and Japan enjoy a relationship rooted in decades of trust, mutual respect, and consistent cooperation,” he said, underscoring Japan’s enduring role in Pakistan’s development journey.

At the outset of the ceremony, the president requested participants to observe a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the recent blast in Tarlai, Islamabad, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, reaffirming the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism.

Highlighting Japan’s global standing, President Zardari praised the country’s technological achievements and rich cultural heritage, noting that Japanese society’s emphasis on discipline, dignity, family values, and respect for tradition—while embracing innovation—resonated strongly in Pakistan. “These qualities are well understood and appreciated in Pakistan,” he said.

The president emphasized that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Japan, recalling Tokyo’s steadfast support during challenging times, particularly in the aftermath of climate-related disasters. He said Japan’s assistance had gone beyond emergency relief, encompassing sustained engagement in development cooperation and disaster-risk preparedness. “For this, we are sincerely grateful,” he added.

Looking ahead, President Zardari said Pakistan viewed Japan as a benchmark for technological excellence and innovation and was keen to learn from its experience to strengthen institutions, build skills, and prepare Pakistani youth for future challenges.

He noted that more than 80 Japanese companies were currently operating in Pakistan, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and the transfer of valuable expertise—an indication of Japan’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential.

Referring to Pakistan’s strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Asia, the president said the country served as a vital connector of trade routes, energy corridors, and regional markets, presenting significant opportunities alongside shared responsibilities. In this context, he lauded Japan’s longstanding development contributions, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which he described as a symbol of sustainable and people-centred progress.

“Pakistan and Japan share a belief in strong families, social harmony, and respect for human dignity,” President Zardari said, adding that these shared values gave the bilateral partnership depth and resilience. He expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger, guided by purpose, clarity, and shared ambition.

Extending warm greetings, the president conveyed his best wishes to His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress, and wished the people of Japan peace, progress, and continued prosperity. He also congratulated Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her landslide electoral victory, recalling Pakistan’s pride in the late Shaheed Benazir Bhutto as the first female prime minister of the Muslim world—a milestone he said symbolized shared commitments to inclusive leadership and democratic values.

The event underscored the enduring strength of Pakistan–Japan relations and signalled both countries’ intent to further expand cooperation in areas critical to sustainable development, regional connectivity, and human progress.