30/09/2013 Ambassador Fatimie attends event honoring H.E. Ambassador Hiroki at Lithuanian Embassy

September 30, 2013: 
Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie attended an event at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to honor H.E. Mr. Shigeyuki Hiroki, former Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan. With Japanese staff partnering with the Lithuanian contingent on development projects, H.E. Ambassador Egidijus Meilunas of the Republic of Lithuania presented to H.E. Ambassador Hiroki an award on behalf of the former’s noble Government.

Ambassador Dr. Fatimie was able to address those in attendance, praising H.E. Ambassador Hiroki on His and His great nation’s life-bettering contributions to peace and development in Afghanistan. Furthermore, Ambassador Dr. Fatimie lauded H.E. Ambassador Meilunas and His noble Government for the excellent initiative, as well as the Governments of partner nations, such as the United States of America and the members of the European Union, for their respective contributions.

The Ambassador’s speech is as follows.

It is a great honor to be able to share a toast to a great man, H.E. Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki. 
Let me begin by expressing my deepest respect for the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for its wisdom in bestowing such a prestigious award on a deserving individual and to H.E. Ambassador Egidijus Meilunas for hosting this excellent reception.
H.E. Ambassador Hiroki is a special man who served a special role in Afghanistan. On the ground he earned the respect of the Afghan people, brought true and visible improvements to lives, enhanced bilateral relations and trilateral relations than also included the noble Republic of Lithuania, and increased awareness of Afghanistan in Japan. Furthermore, H.E. Ambassador Hiroki was crucial in setting up the success for the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan last year, which solidified Afghanistan’s path towards continued development and self-sufficiency. The perfect man for the job, we were fortunate to have him and remain fortunate to have him as a friend still.
Ladies and gentlemen, since 2001, when the Taliban regime was overthrown and power was returned to the people of Afghanistan, our nation has achieved much. This would not have been possible to this degree without international partnerships. Allow me to also thank key nations and their representatives here tonight: the United States of America, the number one donor to our nation; Japan, the number two donor, and the European Union, the number three. Let me also state that the sacrifices made by the ISAF forces will never be forgotten. Through these brave soldiers, our people know ever-greater freedom and peace.
In closing, Let me join our great hosts and all of you in toasting this amazing man, H.E. Ambassador Hiroki as well as all of you.