‘Pak-Japan bilateral ties strengthening’

LAHORE
Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din Wednesday said bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan are strengthening with the passage of time.
Addressing a training workshop and exhibition of (Ikebana) Japanese art of decoration of flowers jointly arranged by Japanese Embassy, Pakistan and Japan Culture Association, Lahore Arts Council and Defense Public Library at Alhamra, the minister said Ikebana is an old Japanese art and the efforts to promote Japanese culture are commendable. She said that Japan has set an example for progress and development through its technology. She said that there are five women in 18 member Japanese cabinet who are playing an important role in national development.
Acting Japanese Ambassador Takashi Katae, his wife, Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Capt (retd) Atta Muhammad Khan, Honorary Consul of Japan Aamir Sherazi, Prof Asifa Ataka and a large number of people attended the workshop.
The minister said the Punjab government is paying special attention to the empowerment of women as being 52 per cent of the population of the country, their active role in national development is of vital importance. Highlighting the aims and objectives of provincial Women Development Department, she said there is a need to benefit from the experiences of other countries for eliminating gender discrimination and economic development of Pakistan.
Katae said culture activities play an important role in promoting friendly relations between the countries.
He said that cultural functions are being arranged in different cities of Pakistan by Japanese Embassy so that the people of both the countries can understand each others’ culture and values for further strengthening the bonds of friendship. He especially appreciated Prof. Asifa Ataka style of teaching Ikebana.
Later, Hameeda along with acting Japanese ambassador and his wife witnessed Ikebana exhibition in the art gallery.