Japan, Pakistan to maintain growing defence cooperation
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Ambassador to Japan Mr. Kamran Niaz has said that defence relations between Pakistan and Japan are steady and growing.
He emphasized that Japan in not only an important trading and economic partner of Pakistan but also an important ally, he said in an interview with NRK.
Responding a question about impact of Japanese decision regarding discontinuation of MSDF participation in the Operation Enduring Freedom in the Indian Ocean, the Ambassador said that Pakistan ties with Japan would not suffer on account of the Japanese withdrawal because of the expiry of the anti terrorism special measure law. he reiterated that government of Pakistan respect the sovereign right of the government and the people of Japan to decide about Japanese participation and contribution in the global war against terrorism.
Ambassador Niaz said, "the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Army, the Government of Afghanistan and the Afghan Army as well as International Forces are making every possible effort to eradicate the menace of terrorism a lot has been achieved in this endeavour yet a lot more requires to be done to achieve the comprehensive success in this long term struggle "
The Ambassador conceded that Japanese withdrawal would impact the operation ability of the mission till alternate arrangements are put in place. He dismissed the possibility of Pakistan quitting the coalition "However the government of Pakistan will keep the situation under review,"he added.
Commenting about the coalition convoy meeting held in Canadian embassy, Kamran Niaz stated that four expert involved in the Operation Enduring Freedom. Maritime Interdiction operation (OEF-MIO) explained the importance and the genesis of the mission as well as the significance of the Japanese contribution in the operation. They gave a detailed account of the mission and MSDF refuelling operation in the Indian Ocean. He added that the main objecting of the briefing to the parliamentarians was to provide information for achieving a better understanding on the subject.
Ambassador Niaz hoped that the parliament of Japan would eventually pass the necessary legislation to resume its participation in the operation.