‘Pakistan’s future derives from its strategic location’

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Kinnori Matsuda said on Monday, "I strongly believe that Pakistan's future [is] derived from its strategic location."

Speaking during a webinar organised by the Karachi Councilon Foreign Relations, he added that Pakistan was the gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asian republics, as well as the western part of China, and provided these land-locked countries with outlets to international markets.

He was of the view that progress in the Afghan peace process provided a unique opportunity to create regional connectivity and work for the improvement of regional economy, as well as social development.

Japan is ready and willing to cooperate with Pakistan in the regional development, he added.

He said Japan intended to extend support to Pakistan on three fronts, namely improving the economic infrastructure, improving human security and social infrastructure and ensuring safety and security systems for sea and air ports.

He also expressed interest in investing in Pakistan's fisheries sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2020.