15/03/2011 Afghan diplomats, Mayor of Kandahar donate to disaster relief in Japan, others in Afghanistan also show support

March 15, 2011: In the wake of the March 11th magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that has brought massive loss of life and damage to Japan, Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie and the Embassy’s diplomats gathered 40,000 yen to donate to relief efforts. Ambassador Fatimie and the staff of the Embassy of Afghanistan have expressed their deepest condolences to the victims of this tragedy and have expressed that they will stand by the people of this great nation during this difficult period. Ambassador Fatimie has also offered his services, as a physician experienced in assisting in a number of disasters since the early 1980s, to help in the areas affected worst.

Afghans both in Afghanistan and abroad have shown their sympathy towards those affected and are expressing their solidarity.

In Kandahar, Mayor Ghulam Hayder Hamidi has donated US$50,000 – a reflection of how deeply he cares for the Japanese with, as well as a symbolic sign of gratitude for all that Japan has done for the city and province. Mayor Hamidi told Reuters, "I know $50,000 is not a lot of money for a country like Japan, but it is a show of appreciation from the Kandahar people." Students of Kandahar University are also gathering further funds now.

Other government officials, including the Mayor of Kabul, have also together offered around US$200,000 in assistance.

In Bamiyan, a group of 70 young people gathered to express their support, holding banners in Dari, as well as in English reading such slogans as “We are poor but rich in our willingness to offer assistance to the people of Japan in your time of need,”The youth of Bamiyan extend our heartfelt sorrow to the citizens and victims of Japan.”

To read the Japanese government's press release concerning Afghan contributions, click here.

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