25/03/2013 Ambassador Fatimie welcomes musicians “Chalpasah,” Mr. Saheki of NHK to the Embassy

March 25, 2013: Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie extended a very warm welcome back to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo to the musical group “Chalpasah” (pictured above) and Mr. Akira Saheki of NHK (pictured below, most left). Chalpasah are Japanese musicians who perform Afghan songs with traditional instruments and sing in Dari. They were visiting in order to shoot footage for an upcoming Embassy podcast episode. Mr. Saheki of NHK was attending to observe the Embassy’s Social Media activities.

Ambassador Dr. Fatimie first of all expressed deep gratitude to Chalpasah for their efforts to share Afghan culture with the Japanese public. Referring to music as nourishment for the soul, the Ambassador spoke of music’s important link to overall well-being. To Mr. Saheki, Ambassador Dr. Fatimie offered words of gratitude for the role that this media agency has provided in informing the general public of Afghanistan and spoke on the importance of showing Afghanistan’s culture and beauty. Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri, Third Secretary, and Mr. Jason Pratt, Public Affairs Officer, also joined the meeting. After, the guests joined the staff of the Embassy for Afghan cuisine.

 

18/03/2013 Ambassador Fatimie welcomes Ms. Eto, Ms. Tsunoda of NHK

March 18, 2013: Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie warmly welcomed to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo Ms. Sedeka Eto and Ms. Hisako Tsunoda of NHK Radio. The two were visiting the Embassy in order to interview Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard, Second Secretary and Consul, about Japanese partnership in Afghanistan’s development.

Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed sincerest appreciation for the efforts that the two visitors have made to increase mutual awareness and appreciation between Japan and Afghanistan as well as Japan and the region around Afghanistan. Additionally, Ambassador Fatimie offered compliments on Ms. Tsunoda’s masterful calligraphy that she does in the Dari alphabet. Ambassador Fatimie presented her with a letter of appreciation in relation to these great initiatives.

15/03/2013 Ambassador Fatimie makes official visit to Aichi prefecture, Nagoya city, meets with Hon. Gov. Ohmura, Hon. Mayor Kawamura

March 15, 2013: 
Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie made the first official visit to Aichi prefecture by an Afghan Ambassador to Japan. An important partner in Afghanistan’s development both on a people to people level and a Government to Government level, as well as its special role as the prefecture possessing Japan’s 3rd largest GDP, this visit was highly significant.

Ambassador Dr. Fatimie firstly was extended an extremely warm welcome from Hon. Mayor Takashi Kawamura of Nagoya (pictured above and below) at His office. Ambassador Fatimie firstly expressed deepest gratitude, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for the enlightened and impact-generating support that Japan, and within this Nagoya, has provided to a fully-inclusive assortment of socio-economic areas and to the peace process. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed that these contributions by Japan have led to true positive results in terms of life expectancy, quality of life, and freedoms. Hon. Mayor Kawamura kindly replied that he was indeed happy to have received the Ambassador and extended cordialities. The two then spoke about a number of issues of mutual interest, including the vast resource reserves in Afghanistan and its openness to investment. Also in attendance at the meeting were Director-General Kenji Kuzusako and Deputy Director-General Yoshihiko Niwa of the Office of the Mayor, and Director Toshimitsu Miyajima and Chief Liasons Officer Toshiko Funhashi of the International Relations Division.

Ambassador Dr. Fatimie was then received very cordially by Hon. Governor Hideaki Ohmura (pictured top and bottom) at the Aichi prefectural offices. Ambassador Fatimie had the pleasure of also being able to express to His Honor sincerest appreciation, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for the selfless and life-bettering partnership extended by Japan and Aichi prefecture in specific. Speaking on the areas of health, agriculture, education, peace, and other socio-economic areas, the Ambassador mentioned that all have benefitted from Japanese efforts and that the scope of progress is only possible through this partnership. The Hon. Governor in turn expressed pleasure over the visit, stating that He fondly recalls H.M. Prince Mostapha Zaher’s visit to Aichi as well in 2010. The two then continued friendly discussions on a number of issues, including Afghanistan’s wealth of natural resources and possibilities for international development. The meeting was also attended by Executive Director for International Relations Toyosaburo Koyama, Director Tominori Kato and Assistant Director Tsutomu Asada of the International Affairs Division, and Director-General Masato Kondo of the Department of Regional Development and International Affairs.

13/03/2013 Ambassador Fatimie’s March 11th memorial message published

March 13, 2013: A memorial message by Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the March 11, 2011 tragic disasters was published in the Daily Yomiuri newspaper. Ambassador Fatimie offered his sympathies and encouragement. The full text of the message is as follows.

 

Two years have passed since tragic disasters afflicted your noble nation. While our Embassy felt the effects, we were struck by the suffering elsewhere, particularly in the Tohoku region. Each life lost and every destructive aspect further saddened our people and Government. Despite limitations, we offered what we could. Government and Embassy funds were given, and I was honored to personally help deliver supplies to evacuees. For what we contributed, we received more. We were inspired by your strength. Afghans know firsthand that rebuilding takes time, but Japanese people are capable. We stand together with you now and forever.