Farewell Message from Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro

  
Tomorrow, I am going to depart Islamabad upon completion of my tenure here. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people who have kindly supported me, my wife and our Embassy during the past three years.
 
When we arrived in Pakistan in October 2021, it still felt that each of us was confined to a closed world in fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, we were welcomed very warmly by the Pakistani dignitaries, friends, diplomatic corps and Islamabad community. At that time, I wrote in my first greeting message that I would devote myself to enhancing the development and business cooperation and people-to-people exchange between our two countries. Looking back, I am pleased to see a lot of developments and efforts that have been made, and also convinced that the Pak-Japan relationship will continue to deepen and expand in the coming future.
 
I have been very fortunate in many ways – Japanese cars, motorbikes, goods and culture are popular here; I enjoyed visiting many historical and beautiful places in Pakistan; I was able to celebrate two big anniversaries as Ambassador, 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in 2022 and 70th anniversary of Japan’s ODA in Pakistan in 2024; I witnessed the summit meeting between the two Prime Ministers in New York and the visit of then Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Japan; we have enjoyed close collaborations with cultural organisations and promoted exchange programs; and so on. On top of that, I am truly grateful to the friendship extended and the passion shown by so many people who wish to become bridges between Japan and Pakistan. Without such warm friendship and support, my three years in Pakistan would not have been so memorable.
 
Japan, as the second largest donor for Pakistan after the United States (cumulative), will continue to be committed to supporting Pakistan and Pakistani people in their efforts to make this country better. I truly hope that the Embassy can continue to cooperate and collaborate with the Pakistani leadership and friends in this regard. Pakistan is a country of great potential and great importance to the region and the world. I have no doubt that, with the support of both peoples, Japan-Pakistan relationship will further develop for the good of our two nations and beyond.
 
Thank you very much again, to all those who have supported us, and my sincere request is that you will maintain ties with my Mission and extend your kind support to my successor Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi as well.
 
Japan Pakistan Dosti Zindabad!
 
 
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan
WADA Mitsuhiro