Shii holds talks with Pakistani Senate chair

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Shii holds talks with Pakistani Senate chair

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 19 held talks with Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Muhammad Mian Soomro in Islamabad.

Chair Soomro began by saying that he has already heard in detail how rich in content the talks held the day before between Shii and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were and that the prime minister was very pleased with the talks.

Shii stated, "I am also pleased with the fact that I have shared common views with the prime minister on a world order for peace, ways to eradicate terrorism, coexistence of different civilizations, and the abolition of nuclear weapons."

Soomro stated, "We have a lot in common. A close relationship in which we can relate with each other is wonderful. The world faces many difficulties, so I think common efforts and strategies are needed."

Soomro highly appreciated the JCP delegation's visit to Pakistan, saying, "Relation between the Japanese and Pakistani governments have been good. Besides that, the fact that we can establish relationship with an opposition party outside the government has given a new dimension to relations between our two countries."

In response to Soomro's reference to deep-seated prejudice against Islam in the United States and Europe, Shii stated, "I think Islam's teachings include peace, tolerance, and equality. These have in common with the ideals of communism. But, communism was distorted by Stalin. The JCP is a party that has tenaciously fought against this distortion. I believe that our visit to Pakistan has marked the first step toward a new relationship between Islamic society and communism in its proper interpretation."

Soomro said, "That's a good point."

Soomro stated, "I know that since its foundation in 1922 the JCP has stuck to its principles and strategy while going through pre-war hardships and post-war party split. The JCP is a party that has maintained independence in opposition to the interference from the two major communist parties and that boldly spoke out against the invasions of Czechoslovakia and Afghanistan."

Shii replied in surprise, "It is an unexpected delight to me that you have such a profound knowledge of the JCP. I have prepared a self-introduction of the JCP, but it seems to be unnecessary, doesn't it?"

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed (General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League) was also present.
- Akahata, September 20, 2006