Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi on Thursday extended heartfelt felicitations to the government and people of Pakistan on the country’s 79th Independence Day, reaffirming Tokyo’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

In a video message issued on X ahead of Independence Day on August 14, the ambassador conveyed warm wishes on behalf of the government and people of Japan in Urdu.

“As we look forward to the 75th anniversary of Japan-Pakistan diplomatic relations in 2027, we renew our pledge to work together as trusted partners to promote peace, progress, and stability and to further strengthen friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan,” Shuichi said.

He also highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

Concluding his message, the ambassador reaffirmed the enduring bond between the two nations with the slogan “Japan-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad”.

Two days ago, Pakistan and Japan signed a 350 million Japanese yen ($2.2 million) grant agreement to strengthen the Human Resources Development Scholarship Programme (JDS) and expand training opportunities for Pakistani civil servants.

The agreement would provide scholarships for 17 federal civil servants to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan, including 16 master’s degrees and one PhD.

Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Hameer Karim and Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi signed the Record of Discussions, whereas Senior Joint Secretary Miran Mohiuddin Soomro and JICA Chief Representative Yusuke Shinazaki signed the grant agreement.