The cultural activities play an important role in promoting friendly relations :Acting Japanese Ambassador Takashi Katae

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din has said that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan are strengthening with the passage of time.

She was 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, today.

Acting Japanese Ambassador Takashi Katae, his wife, Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Capt. (R) Atta Muhammad Khan, Honory Consul of Japan Aamir Sherazi, Prof. Asifa Ataka and a large number of people attended the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din said that 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.

The Provincial Minister said that Punjab government is paying special attention to the empowerment of women as being 52 percent 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 that there is a need to benefit from the experiences of other countries for eliminating gender discrimination and economic development of Pakistan.

Acting Japanese Ambassador in his speech said that 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 Waheed-ud-Din along with acting Japanese ambassador and his wife witnessed Ikebana exhibition in the art gallery and appreciated the floral art. Takashi Katae also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Provincial Minister while matters of mutual interest were also discussed on the occasion.