In a significant step towards bolstering bilateral cooperation, the Governments of Pakistan and Japan convened a signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreements. The ceremony marked the initiation of two Japanese grant-in-aid projects aimed at enhancing key sectors in Pakistan.
The projects titled “Installation of Weather Surveillance Radar in Sukkur City” and “The Extension of Maternal and Child Health Care Facilities in Sindh” received additional grant amounts totaling JPY 832 million ($5.4 million) and JPY 671 million ($4.4 million) respectively from the Government of Japan. These grants were provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Government of Pakistan.
The primary objective of the projects is to augment the capabilities of the Pakistan Meteorological Department in meteorological observation, weather forecasting, and the dissemination of forecast warnings. Additionally, the grants seek to strengthen medical services, particularly in children’s hospitals and maternal and child health centers in Liaqat University Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro, Sindh.
During the ceremony, Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), and WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, exchanged the signed Notes of the projects on behalf of their respective governments. The Grant Agreements were formally signed by Mr. Saeed Ashraf Siddiqi, Joint Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, and Mr. Naoaki MIYATA, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan.
Dr. Kazim Niaz expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their valuable support, assuring them of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating meaningful cooperation between the two nations. In response, WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, reiterated Japan’s commitment to closely collaborate with Pakistan, aiming to strengthen the existing friendly ties and bilateral cooperation.
The signing ceremony signifies a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Japan, highlighting their shared commitment to development and mutual prosperity.
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