ISLAMABAD, MAR 14(DNA): Newly- arrived Ambassador of Japan Kuninori Matsuda has said that 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 Ch, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad, Zulfi Bukhari and other notables including from the opposition parties 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.

The ambassador said 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 is 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.

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. DNA

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