May 30-31, 2011: Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie made a trip to Hiroshima at the invitation of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). A city of redevelopment and rebirth, Hiroshima is inspirational for both northeastern Japan following the disasters of March 11th as well as for Afghanistan in its development.
Ambassador Fatimie received a warm welcome to the city by Mr. Alex Mejia, head of UNITAR’s Hiroshima office, who accompanied the Ambassador to Hiroshima Peace Park for an official tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. On the occasion of his visit, Ambassador Fatimie signed the museum’s book dedicated to messages from dignitaries, writing:
The atomic bombing of the city of Hiroshima and its aftermath serves as a grave reminder of the terrible tragedy and cruelty of war and highlights the importance of peace.
I wish the resilient residents of Hiroshima and the entire noble nation of Japan peace, happiness, and prosperity.
The Ambassador further expressed his condolences for the victims of Hiroshima, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Japan, through the laying of flowers at the cenotaph. This was followed by a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome.
On the evening of the 30th, Ambassador Fatimie spoke to local government officials, representatives of NGOs, and other dignitaries and members of the public at UNITAR’s public session. Ambassador Fatimie’s presentation focused on maternal mortality rates, telling of the historical state of maternal health care in Afghanistan, the progress that has been made, and the goals and steps for the future.
To view the Ambassador’s presentation, click here.
On the morning of the 31st, Ambassador Fatimie had the honor of calling upon the Honorable Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki. The Ambassador praised Hiroshima for its inspirational role in the world, while expressing condolences over the past tragedy, as conveying his condolences and solidarity with Japan regarding the March 11th earthquake and tsunami. Ambassador Fatimie also offered gratitude for the Governor and Hiroshima’s support in Afghanistan’s development, particularly in regards to capacity development.
During the Ambassador’s stay, he was interviewed by the Chugoku Shimbun. To read the story in Japanese, click here.
(Photo: Ambassador Fatimie meets with Governor Yuzaki and Mr. Mejia.)
(Photo: Ambassador Fatimie delivers a presentation at UNITAR’s public session. Photo courtesy of UNITAR)
(Photo: Ambassador Fatimie and Mr. Mejia visit with students in front of the cenotaph.)
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