ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (INP): Lt Gen (Retd) Nasir Khan Janjua National Security Adviser to Prime Minister paid rich tributes to Japanese emperor Akihito and the government of Japan for their support to Pakistan in their socio-economic development. Talking to newsmen at a reception held here last night at a local hotel by the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai, he said Pakistan and Japan enjoy excellent relations and the two countries had always been helping each other on issues of common interest. The reception was arranged on the occasion of 84th birthday celebrations of Emperor Akihito. The reception was largely attended by the members of the civil society, senior government’s officials, diplomats and parliamentarians. Prominent among those were Governor Baluchistan Jan Muhammad Acakzai, President Pakhtoon Mili Awami Party Mahmood Khan Acakzai, Provincial minister Punjab Raja Asfaq Sarwar, senator Lt.Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum, former speaker national assembly Gohar Ayub Khan, former federal minister Saleem Saifullah Khan and MNA Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. The celebration was marked with a cake-cutting after playing national anthems of the two countries. In his brief remarks, Ambassador Takashi Kurai highlighted Pak-Japan relations and its significance for the people of the two countries. The ambassador also pointed out completing of 65th year of establishing diplomatic relations with Pakistan and elaborated various projects in Pakistan which have been completed or under completion with the financial and technical support of government of Japan. He also spoke high of good bilateral relations the two countries, being enjoyed in various fields. He also mentioned a number of cultural events organized by the Japanese embassy in Pakistan during the year that he said were received well by Pakistani side. He recalled that Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Pakistan in 1962 when they were Prince and Princess. They warmly recall their visit to Pakistan. About the Japanese support to Pakistan, the ambassador said, this year we either agreed or implemented as in the past the projects of Official Development Assistance to Pakistan: those are rehabilitation of roads, strengthening of power transmission lines, polio eradication campaign, water supply, education and so forth. Other than all those new projects, he mentioned completion of the project of Indus Highway. This is the one for rehabilitation of 65 percent of the whole length of 1200 km of the Highway, from Peshawar to Hyderabad which started late 1980’s and finished this year. He reiterated that Japan will continue to support Pakistan in their efforts for economic development and further democratization. INP/J/AK