Japanese envoy grieved over demise of ex-PM

Islamabad :Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori, in a condolence message has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the passing of Former Prime Minister of Japan, Nakasone Yasuhiro who had been an ardent supporter of Japan-Pakistan friendship.

"I feel deeply saddened over the sad demise of former Prime Minister Nakasone and greatly eulogize his services towards the friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan. He was in a true sense, a great friend of Pakistan," he says.

He was an important supporter of the Japan-Pakistan friendship and visited Pakistan as a Prime Minister in 1984. During his visit to Pakistan, then-President General Muhammad Zia ul Haq warmly received the Prime Minister and the two leaders held a summit meeting, where the Prime Minster promised further economic aids to Pakistan. He also visited Lahore and Peshawar. The Japanese leader made a speech in the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore and visited an Afghan refugee camp near Peshawar, where he had a face-to-face talk with the refugees and promised Japan's continuous support until their home return with honor.

In commemoration of his visit to Pakistan, the Japanese Park in Islamabad was established in 1985. The Government of Japan provided the playing equipment along with the Japanese Park as a gift of friendship from the children of Japan to those of Pakistan.