26-27/04/2012 Ambassador Fatimie visits Okinawa prefecture, meets with Hon. Governor Nakaima, Hon. Mayor Onaga of Naha

April 26-27, 2012: 
Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie, as part of the Ambassador’s initiative to individually deepen ties with the prefectures of Japan, visited Okinawa prefecture. Throughout his trip, Ambassador Fatimie was thoroughly impressed and moved by the hospitality extended by the prefecture’s officers and citizens, which began with a warm welcome at Naha airport.

The Ambassador was first escorted to the prefectural government’s office, being received by Hon. Governor Hirokazu Nakaima (pictured above). Before officially meeting with Hon. Gov. Nakaima, Ambassador Fatimie met with Director General Daiichi Hirata and Director Hajime Terukina of the prefecture’s Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports. In the subsequent meeting kindly arranged with Hon. Governor Nakaima, the Ambassador firstly offered appreciation for the excellent arrangements that had been made. Expressing deepest sympathy regarding the tragic affects of the March 11, 2011 disasters on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressing sincerest gratitude for the selfless and comprehensive aid that Japan, and specifically Okinawa, has provided unabated to Afghanistan’s development and peace process. Speaking on the extended history of friendship and mutual support between their two respective nations, the Hon. Governor firstly thanked Afghanistan for its assistance following March 11, 2011, and stated that his prefecture and nation would continue forever this mutual friendship and cooperation. The Hon. Governor took great interest in Afghanistan’s vast mineral reserves as one potential point of further cooperation. In closing, the two exchanged gifts, with Ambassador Fatimie receiving a beautiful book detailing the prefectures unique and rich history and culture.

Ambassador Fatimie was then escorted to the office of Hon. Mayor Takeshi Onaga of Naha (pictured below). Once again taking the opportunity to express humble condolences on the disasters and gratitude for the assistance that Japan, and the people of Naha within, have provided to Afghanistan, the Hon. Mayor graciously described the Afghan-Japanese and Afghan-Naha partnerships as important and increasing in their strength and depth. Also showing himself to be an excellent host and leader, Ambassador Fatimie was left with a truly positive impression of the Hon. Mayor and Governor respectively.