29/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcome Mr. Ghafoori As First Secretary

May 29, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, in the attendance of Embassy staff, formerly welcomed Mr. Ahmad Bashir Ghafoori as First Secretary and in charge of the Embassy's cultural Section. 

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28/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Sixty-Nine Students and Teachers from Aikawakita Middle School

May 28, 2015: Warm interactions with the Japanese community are one of the hallmarks of the Embassy's operations and it was a great pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to welcome sixty-nine students and teachers from Aikawakita Middle School to the Embassy. Relations with the Japanese public are treated with such importance by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie that, after having delivered an initial speech in the reception hall, he led all sixty-nine students and teachers into his office for a short lecture on Afghan-Japan relations.

Leading the visit was Mr. Katsuyuki Sawada who expressed his appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie for the important education provided and for the warm hospitality.

Earlier in the morning, First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali and the Public Relations Officer opened the visit with welcoming speeches to the students. Mrs. Afzali stressed the importance of Afghan-Japan relations and the various roles that the Embassy plays in order to facilitate the strengthening of relations as well as to meet the needs of Afghan nationals here in Japan.

Mr. Ashraf Baburi then proceeded to conduct a highly stimulating presentation in Japanese which covered various topics relating to Afghanistan's history, politics, culture, society and current realities which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present.

In what was an eminently educational experience, Mr. Baburi then administer a question and answer session which was widely participated in by the students.

The Embassy would like to take the opportunity to thank the organizers of the visit to the Embassy including Mr. Sawada, Mr. Takai, Mr. Ono, Mr. Wakayama and Ms. Miyabe and we hope to see you all again next year.

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28/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Invited to Give a Lecture at the Prestigious Nihon University

May 28, 2015: 

Afghanistan has been reaping the benefits of increased relations with Japanese educational institutions in recent years and, in what was another step forward, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie warmly welcomed long time friend of Afghanistan and President of the Educational Foundation of Nippon Sport Science University Group The Honorable Mr. Kenshiro Matsunami and Nihon University Professor Katsuyuki Ishida to the Embassy. Discussions were held including with the esteemed Mr. Bashir Mohabbat and Professor Ishida provided H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie with a formal invitation to attend and give a lecture at the prestigious Nihon University on the 25th of November.

28/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Mr. Ahmadzai, Mr. Khan and Mr. Aoki to the Embassy

May 28, 2015: It was a great honor for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to welcome the nephew of former Prime Minister His Excellency Ahmad Shah Ahmadzai Mr. Abdulrahman Ahmadzai, son of the Governor of Ghazni Province Mr. Haji Musa Khan, and Director of Green House Gas Emissions Trading Agency NGO Mr. Aoki to the Embassy. Jovial conversations were held in what was a highly pleasurable visit of highly esteemed guests.

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27/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends IPU Global Conference

May 27, 2015: In order to further the ties of cooperation between Afghanistan and Japan, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended the IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Tokyo. With many distinguished participants in attendance, it was a great honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to meet with Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Diet of Japan The Honorable Mr. Tadamori, Member of Parliament Ms. Karen Makishima, Member of the House of Representaives Mr. Kikawada Hitoshi, IPU President Mr. Saber Chowdhury, Chairperson of the National Association of Chairpersons of City Councils Mr. Hirofumi Sato, and with many esteemed parliamentarians from various countries.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie spent considerable time with The Honorable Ms. Makishima, who was also moderator of the event session, and congratulated her on the success of the conference and, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressed his gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for their invaluable continued support.

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27/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends National Day of Azerbaijan Celebrations

May 27, 2015: 
Afghanistan and Azerbaijan share warm relations and it was a great pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to congratulate His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Gursel Qudrat oglu Ismayilzada in person for the special occasion and to communicate his best wishes to Ambassadress Ismayilzada and to the esteemed diplomats.

His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie used the opportunity to hold discussions with prominent officials in the Government of Japan, such as with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry His Excellency Mr. Akira Amari, with the President of the governing LDP's partner party Komieto and long time friend of Afghanistan His Excellency Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, with MoFA Japan Chief of Protocol The Honorable Ambassador Mr. Jun Yamazaki, as well as with distinguished figures such as Director-General of the Central Asia and Caucasus Research Institute Mr. Tetsuji Tanaka, and with the dynamic and highly talented Mr. Dan Harada, and in doing so was able to, on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan, express his deep appreciation for Japan's invaluable assistance to the people of Afghanistan and to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two nations.

26/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends the Tokyo Kudan Lions Club Charter Night Reception

May 26, 2015: Representing the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, it was with a great sense of duty that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended the Tokyo Kudan Lions Club Charter Night Reception Celebrating the groups 50th Anniversary. With some dignitaries from various sectors in attendance, speakers including long time friend of Afghanistan and President of the Educational Foundation of Nippon Sport Science University Group Mr. Kenshiro Matsunami, attracted the audiences' attention to assist Afghanistan.

 

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the rare privilege of meeting with a broad cross section of influential figures in Japanese society such as Japanese Ground Defence Force Colonel Mr. Otsu, Japanese Ground Defence Force Lieutenant-Colonel Mr. Takei, Japanese Ground Defence Force Major Mr. Kawahara, Mayor of Chiyoda City The Honorable Mr. Ishikawa, Ward Councillor of Chiyoda City The Honorable Mr. Kawai, Lions Club International (Japan) President, former International Director, and members Mr. Akira Kudo, Seiki Yamaura, Ms. Etsuko Kawai and Mr. Shogo Sugihara respectively, Executive Director of Planning Division for Yasukuni Shrine Mr. Ban, Director of Planning Division for Yasukuni Shrine Mr. Tanaka, Chief Priest of Yasukuni Shrine Mr. Yasuhisa Tokugawa, and Silver Village Nursing Home President Mr. Ishii. 

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25/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Africa Day Reception

May 25, 2015: It was a great pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to, despite a very busy schedule, attend the Africa Day reception hosted by the esteemed Ambassador of Lesotho and Chair of the Africa Day Reception Committee 2015 His Excellency Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi.

In what was a splendid event held at the Embassy of Angola celebrating the unity and many delights of the African continent, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie met with most dignified Ambassadors representing their respective countries as well as with MoFA Japan Chief of Protocol The Honorable Ambassador Mr. Jun Yamazaki and MoFA Japan Middle Eastern and Deputy Secretary General of the governing LDP Mr. Asahiko Mihara who he, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Repucli of Afghanistan, articulated his utmost gratitude to the nation of Japan for their comprehensive and impact generating support for the people of Afghanistan. The Hon. Mr. Mihara showed a great interest in Afghanistan's ongoing developments and promised that Japan would continue to provide its support. After The Hon. Mr. Mihara communicated that he would like to visit Afghanistan again in the near future, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie ensured that the Embassy was ready to assist in facilitating any future visit. The evening also included warm discussions with LDP House of Representatives member The Honorable Mr. Kikawada Hitoshi.

In what was a great honor, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie was introduced to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti the Honorable Mr. Mohamed Ali Houmed who he conversed with in cordial discourse. 

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25/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Senegal National Day Reception

May 25, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie took great delight in attending the National Day of Senegal celebrations hosted by the esteemed Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Cheikh Niang who was warmly congratulated for the special occasion. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie held conversations of mutual interest with the many influential Japanese figures in attendance as well as with esteemed Ambassadors.

Of particular importance were the discussions held with the Ambassador in charge of RECs, Peace and Security in Africa, His Excellency Mr. Hiroyasu Kobayashi, who became very interested in Afghanistan and would like to visit the country in the near future. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his appreciation for the interest shown and offered to do whatever necessary to assist in a future visit.

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25/05/2015 Embassy Hosts Afghanistan Business Event With JCI

May 25, 2015:
It was a great pleasure for the Embassy to host the first of its kind Afghanistan business and economic event. In front of sixty-five Japanese business people, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie led the Embassy's efforts in presenting Afghanistan as a vibrant land of opportunity for Japanese business and investment. Junior Chamber International communicated to the Embassy that some JCI members are now wanting to go to Afghanistan to engage in business activities and the local Chairman, the esteemed Mr. Soichiro Yoshikoka, articulated that his own and other members' perceptions of Afghanistan had completely changed in what was a successful event for promoting various Afghan economic sectors.

With Ambassadress Fatimie in attendance, the evening started with speeches by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Mr. Yoshikoka which were followed by a half-an-hour presentation on Afghanistan's business and investment opportunities by the Embassy's Public Affairs Officer. Then a question and answer session was held between the business people and diplomats before a buffet dinner of sumptuous Afghan cuisine was served.

Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed viewing an Afghan trade booth which demonstrated a sampling of Afghan products.

Along with fifty-three distinguished guests from JCI, additional participants also included the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Project General Manager International Division Mr. Kazuo Nishitani, Manager in Chief of International Division Mr. Chikara Shimizu, and International Division Officer Mr. Shohei Mita, Minato City Council's Director of Global, Art and Culture Planning Mr. Junya Kaku, Chief of Global Community Planning Ms. Takako Takagi, Global Community Planning Ms. Hisa Tagami, Foreign Residents Consultant Ms. Akiyo Fujinuma, as well as JTB's General Manager of Corporate Sales Mr. Shuhei Morishima, Corporate Sales Manager Mr. Akimitsu Arai, Group Leader Mr. Kohei Hamada, and Mr. Seiji Murakami, along with two Afghan public servants Mr. Obaidullah Almas and Mr. Hamdullah Hamdard from the Minister of Mines and Petroleum and the Ministry of Finance respectively.

At the end of the evening, Chairman Yoshikoka presented H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie with a beautiful porcelain panel titled "Mount Fuji in Red" in appreciation for the hosting of the successful event and Ms. Yuiko Yoshino presented a bouquet of flowers.

The evening ended with a group photo and time on the Embassy's roof viewing the Tokyo Tower. The Embassy greatly appreciates the important roles interns Kanako-san, Kana-san, Mindong-san and Shafiq-san fulfilled during the event as part of the Embassy team.

22/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Holds Discussions with Senior Government Figures at STS Forum

May 22, 2015: With many Vice Ministers in attendance, the Science and Technology in Society Forum held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a highly important event for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Second Secretary Mr. Mohammad Yasir Karimi to attend. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie took great pleasure in meeting with the Founder and Chairman of STS Mr. Koji Omi as well as with its Director General Mr. Takayuki Shirao and Secretary General Ms. Asako Omi and praised them for their valuable work. 

Due to the importance of Japan's assistance to Afghanistan in the role of providing scholarships to Afghan students to study in Japan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie payed particular attention to his discussions with Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology The Honorable Mr. Sadayuki Tsuchiya, who he extended, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, his utmost gratitude for Japan's socio-economic and peace efforts and human capacity building in Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie requested that the number of highly successful peace scholarship programs offered be increased which The Hon. Deputy Minister Mr. Tsuchiya responded that he would seriously consider.

Discussion of importance were also held with Vice Minister for Policy Coordination of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications The Honorable Mr. Yasuo Sakamoto, the Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation of the Cabinet Office The Honorable Mr. Koichi Morimoto, the Director General of the Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry The Honorable Mr. Hirofumi Katase, Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for Science and Technology Cooperation His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Makoto Katsura and member of the House of Representatives The Honorable Ms. Asako Omi in what was a morning of significant interpersonal interaction with highly influential figures within the Government of Japan. 

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21/05/2015 Embassy Hosts Reception to Express Gratitude and Farewell Mr. Amiri

May 21, 2015: In what was a sad day for the Embassy, a reception was held in honor of Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri's end of mission to Japan. His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie provided a speech in front of attending Embassy staff, friends of the Embassy and Afghan Student Association Representatives and praised Mr. Amiri for his many valuable contributions to the Embassy and Afghan-Japan relations during the previous three years. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his appreciation for Mr. Amiri's diligent efforts and warmly wished him the very best as he continues his career with MoFA Afghanistan.

On behalf of the Afghan Student Association, Dr. Azam presented Mr. Amiri with a bouquet of flowers after communicating his appreciation for Mr. Amiri's assistance toward Afghan students during his time as head of the Embassy's Admin and Culture sections. 

Mr. Amiri spoke and expressed his appreciation for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie's valuable guidance and leadership, as well as gratitude for his colleagues and the people and nation of Japan for their work and cooperation with him in recent years. As symbolic of the appreciation for Mr. Amiri, both personally and professionally, gifts were given and fond farewells were expressed.

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21/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Reception In Honor of Fijian PM H.E. Mr. Bainimarama

May 21, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the great honor to attend a reception in recognition of the Prime Minister of Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Josaia V. Bainimarama's, official visit to Japan which was hosted by the Ambassador of Fiji His Excellency Mr. Isikeli Uluinairai Mataitoga, who H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie was given the honor of being seated next to. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie warmly greeted H.E. Prime Minister Bainimarama and spoke with him about the reforms that he is currently undertaking to improve the quality of life for the people of Fiji.

The opportunity was used by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to meet with Japan's esteemed Minster of Defence His Excellency Gen Nakatani who has previously visited Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie invited H.E. Minister Nakatani to retun to Afghanistan for a second visit and, while expressing his appreciation, stated that the Afghanistan will never forget the generous support of Japan.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also spent time with other distinguished figures, such as with House of Representatives Member The Honorable Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, who were sincerely thanked by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for Japan's impact generating support for the people of Afghanistan.

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21/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes the Taraky Family

May 21, 2015: 
In what was a special moment, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the pleasure of meeting with family members of Mr. Taraky, who seven years ago, painted many of the beautiful works of art that adorn the walls of the Embassy. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his sincere appreciation to the Taraky family for the significant contribution Mr. Taraky made to Afghanistan's representation of itself here in Japan. The Taraky family took great pride in viewing Mr. Taraky's paintings on a tour of the Embassy provided by First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali.

21/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes the Taraky Family

May 21, 2015: In what was a special moment, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the pleasure of meeting with family members of Mr. Taraky, who seven years ago, painted many of the beautiful works of art that adorn the walls of the Embassy. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his sincere appreciation to the Taraky family for the significant contribution Mr. Taraky made to Afghanistan's representation of itself here in Japan. The Taraky family took great pride in viewing Mr. Taraky's paintings on a tour of the Embassy provided by First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali.

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20/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Meets With Vice Minister The Hon. Mr. Yamasaki

May 20, 2015: Japan's Ministry of Finance continues to play a vital role in Afghanistan's soci-economic development and it was therefore with a great sense of responsibility that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Second Secretary Mr. Mohammad Yasir Karimi met with the Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs The Honorable Mr. Tatsuo Yamasaki and issues of mutual interest were discussed. 

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20/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends OCAJI Reception

May 20, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Second Secretary Mr. Mohammad Yasir Karimi had the great pleasure of attending the Overseas Construction Association of Japan Inc's commemoration of the Annual General Assembly 2015 Reception. H.E. Ambassador Dr Fatimie met with and congratulated OCAJI President and Chief of International Affairs and Planning Division Mr. Toru Shiraishi and Mr. Horoyuki Suzuki respectively for the successful event.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Mr. Karimi spoke with many guests including with the State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism His Excellency Mr. Issei Kitagawa. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie sincerely thanked him for the generous, comprehensive and impact generating support Japan has provided to Afghanistan which has resulted in Afghans living longer, freer and happier lives. His Excellency State Minister Mr. Kitagawa was very impressed to hear about Afghanistan's substantial progress and directly communicated that Japan would continue to assist the people of Afghanistan.

The time was also taken to speak with the Commercial Attache of the Embassy of the United States of America Mr. Gregory Taevs who H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie thanked for the United State's invaluable efforts in Afghanistan.

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20/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Saudi Arabia and Japan Reception

May 20, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali had the honor of attending the reception celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia at the Arabic Islamic Institute in Tokyo. The Director of the institute, Dr. Nasser Alomaim, expressed his appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie for his attendance and communicated his best wishes for Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie communicated, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, his deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia's assistance to Afghanistan.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also had the pleasure of meeting with the Chancellor of Tokai University Professor Kiyoshi Yamada who was sincerely thanked for Tokai's educational program for Afghan students. Professor Yamada was very hopeful for the bright future of the participating Afghan students.

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20/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Meets With Vice Minister The Hon. Mr. Yamasaki

May 20, 2015: 
Japan's Ministry of Finance continues to play a vital role in Afghanistan's soci-economic development and it was therefore with a great sense of responsibility that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Second Secretary Mr. Mohammad Yasir Karimi met with the Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs The Honorable Mr. Tatsuo Yamasaki and issues of mutual interest were discussed.

16/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Director of National Museum of Afghanistan Mr. Massoudi

May 16, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the great pleasure, along with First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali and Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri, in wecoming the Director of the National Museum of Afghanistan, the esteemed Mr. Omara Khan Massoudi, to the Embassy. Logistics and other issues relating to the upcoming "Hidden Treasures From The National Museum of Afghanistan" exhibition at the Kyushu National Museum and the Tokyo National Museum in 2016 were discussed.

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15/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Lecture by Bank Of Japan Governor The Hon. Mr. Kuroda

May 15, 2015: H.E Ambassador Dr. Fatimie took the valuable opportunity to attend a lecture meeting hosted by the Yomiuri International Economic Society regarding Japan's economic and monetary policy. Held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, the keynote speaker was the esteemed Governor of the Bank of Japan The Honorable Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda and the event provided a beneficial occasion for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to further increase his expertise on highly relevant issues currently facing Japan.

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14/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends UNIDO Reception

May 14, 2015: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization has undertaken invaluable work in Afghanistan and it was with a sense of duty that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended a reception for the occasion of the visit to Japan by UNIDO's Director-General Mr. Yong Li. His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie met with numerous esteemed individuals and matters of mutual interest were discussed.

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13/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Visits Afghan Students at GRIPS

May 13, 2015: Universities in Japan are playing highly important roles in training the future leaders of Afghanistan in various fields and the National Graduate Institute For Policy Studies is no exception. Therefore, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie met with the university's Vice President Dr. Masuyama and with Afghan students. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressed to Dr. Masuyama his utmost appreciation for the work the university in doing with the diligent Afghan students. The students took the opportunity to speak with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie who kindly listened to them regarding their lives and studies in Japan and promised that the Embassy would do its utmost to assist them when necessary. 

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12/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Europe Day Reception

May 12, 2015: The European Union and its member states have contributed significantly to Afghanistan's development and the opportunity of the "Europe Day" reception was used by His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to, on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan, extend his most forthright gratitude to the Ambassador of the European Union His Excellency Mr. Viorel Isticioaia-Budura and to the other European member states' Ambassadors in attendance for the selfless and comprehensive assistance of both the European Union and the European Commission to Afghanistan's many achievements of the previous thirteen years such as democracy.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie spoke with H.E. Ambassador Mr. Isticioaia-Budura and other Ambassadors who made strong assurances of their countries' continued support for Afghanistan. In what was testament to the fruits of hard work during the evening and in recent years, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Isticioaia-Budura communicated that he would like to have a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie in the near future to discuss issues relating to Afghanistan and ways in which the country and, subsequently the peace and security of the world, can move forward.

Long time friend of Afghanistan and President of Japan's Komeito party, His Excellency Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, was also in attendance and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie used the opportunity to again extend, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, his sincere appreciation for Japan's ongoing efforts assisting the people of Afghanistan. It was also a great pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to meet with another long time friend of Afghanistan, Her Excellency Madam Sadako Ogata, former President of JICA, who continues to show a strong interest in Afghanistan and continues to assist Afghanistan whenever possible.

In what was a highly successful evening, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also conversed extensively to the Chairman of the Committee on Audit in the House of Councillors The Honorable Mr. Kenji Kosaka who said that peace and stability in Afghanistan is a top priority for Japan. Discussions were also held with House of Representatives member Mr. Shinji Oguma, Ambassadors including Their Excellencies Mr. Yousef Mohamed Bilal, Mr. Mohamed El Amine Bencherif, Mr. Abdelwahab Mohamed Elhijazi of Qatar, Algeria and Sudan respectively as well as with many other distinguished Ambassadors from Africa and Latin American countries. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also had the honor of discussion issues of mutual interest with Deputy Chief of the Embassy of the United States of America the esteemed Mr. Jason P. Hyland.

Always looking for future opportunities to assist in the furthering of Afghanistan's development, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also spent time speaking with Vice-President of Okayama University Dr. Shin-ichi Yamamoto about capacity building in Afghanistan and Vice-President Dr. Yamamoto, impressed by the discussions, invited H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to make a formal visit to Okayama University in the near future. Such a visit could lay the foundations for the acceptance of more Afghan students studying on scholarships here in Japan. 

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12/05/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Students from Koriyama Minami Junior High School

May 12, 2015: It was a pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to welcome ten students from Koriyama Minami Junior high school to the Emabssy. In his office, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie gave a stimulating speech to the young guests from Nara Prefecture encouraging them by calling them the future leaders of Japan and he emphasized the close relationship between Afghanistan and Japan by mentioning that Afghans in Bamiyan prayed for the victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. 

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also spent time teaching the students about the many esteemed former Afghan Ambassadors who have served here in Tokyo who, when combined, symbolize the long term importance and intimacy of Afghan-Japan relations since 1931.

 The students thoroughly enjoyed a fascinating and informative presentation by Mr. Baburi in Japanese on cultural aspects of Afghanistan such as food and traditional costumes followed by Q&A time. It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and the Embassy to see these students enjoying a culture they were firstly unfamiliar with but now have positive connotations with. 

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