JCP Shii to visit Pakistan at invitation of Pakistani government

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JCP Shii to visit Pakistan at invitation of Pakistani government

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo announced on August 23 that he will lead a JCP delegation to visit Pakistan from September 18 to September 21 at the invitation of the Pakistani government.

At a press conference in the Diet building, Shii stated that he will hold talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz as well as leaders of political parties and the parliament. The delegation also plans to visit areas affected by the earthquake last October.

Members of the delegation include JCP Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo, Policy Commission Chair Koike Akira, Women Commission Chair Hiroi Nobuko, and International Bureau Deputy Director Morihara Kimitoshi.

Shii visited Pakistan in December 2002 and had talks with then Finance Minister Aziz as well as Pakistani government and parliament leaders. Shii also met with Aziz when he visited Japan in August last year.

Shii said, "We are looking forward to this visit because we recognize the significance of developing our relations with the government of Pakistan that with a population of 150 million plays an important role in the Islamic world. We hope to exchange our opinions on issues of peace in Asia and throughout the world."
- Akahata, August 24, 2006