31/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Representatives of GYROS

March 31, 2015: As the gateway to Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai International Airport plays a fundamental role in the social and economic functioning of the country. Japan has been at the forefront of the airport's construction and expansion and in order to receive important information regarding the progress of the rehabilitation and expansion of aircraft aprons, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali welcomed President of GYROS Mr. Takao Yamaguchi and Senior Architect Ms. Marie Iokawa to the Embassy. Work on Phase 1 has already been completed and Phase 2 is progressing well and Phase 3 is scheduled to be finished at the end of 2015. Challenges regarding visas were also discussed along with the expression of deep gratitude for the work of GYROS, JICA and the Japanese Government in facilitating this important project.

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30/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Reception

March 30, 2015: Agriculture is of fundamental importance in the lives of a majority of Afghan's and Japan has played a key role in both the facilitating of the industry's development in Afghanistan as well as in bettering the lives of millions of Afghans living in rural areas. It was with this reality of Japan's importance in the sector and in peoples' lives that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie participated in a reception hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries His Excellency Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi.

In order to further enhance Japan's contributions to Afghanistan's agriculture sector and rural development, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie conversed with high ranking Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries members including with His Excellency Minister Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, State Minster Mr. Akio Koizumi, Parliamentary Vice Minister Ms. Yuko Nakagawa, and Parliamentary Vice Minister Mr. Hidemichi Sato.

  

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31/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Meets with H.E. President Yamaguchi

 

March 31, 2015: Afghanistan's relations with all major party's in Japanese politics have been further enhanced in recent years and the affiliation with the Komeito party is no exception. Despite the very short notice given by the Embassy, the President of the governing LDP's partner party Komieto, and long time friend of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, graciously and warmly greeted His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and important discussions were held. 

In the office of H.E. President Yamaguchi, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, communicated His heartfelt gratitude for Japan's continuing assistance to Afghanistan and in particular for H.E. President Yamaguchi and Komeito's support, which is treasured by the people of Afghanistan due to the impact generating effect that it is directly having in the lives of Afghans across the country.

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27/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Cafe Democrats

March 27, 2015: Hosted at the party headquarters of the Democratic Party of Japan, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie participated in the important Cafe Democrats session which focused on the domestic and foreign policy objectives of the party. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie was warmly greeted by President of the DPJ The Honorable Mr. Katsuya Okada and thanked him for the DPJ's ongoing support for the people of Afghanistan. Discussions relevant to Afghanistan and Japan were held with a number of esteemed participants.

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27/03/2015 His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends German Condolence Book Signing Ceremony

March 27, 2015: With a deep sense of sadness, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended a book signing ceremony at the German Embassy to, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, express His deepest commiserations for the tragedy of Germanwings plane crash which resulted in the deaths of all precious lives on board. 

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26/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Bangladesh National Day

March 26, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the great honor of attending the People's Republic of Bangladesh's National Day which was warmly hosted by Ambassador of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also took immense pleasure in meeting with Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs The Honorable Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry The Honorable Mr. Yoshihiro Seki, former President of JICA The Honorable Madam Sadako Ogata, former Parliamentary Secretary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and also former Vice-Minister for Internal Affairs and current Member of the House of Councillors The Honorable Dr. Kazuyuki Hamada, Ambassador of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Farrukh Islomdjonovich Tursunov, and with the Head of the Representative Office of Palestine in Tokyo the highly esteemed Mr. Waleed Siam which acted to further enhance the relations shared between Afghanistan, Japan and other important countries.

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26/03/2015 Mrs. Afzali Meets With Immigration Officials

March 26, 2015: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan enjoys cordial relations with the Immigration Bureau of Japan and, in what was an important meeting with Immigration Officials, First Secretary and Consul Mrs. Farima Orya Afzali and Consular Affairs and IT/Admin Assistant Mr. Yuki Takeda discussed issues relating to Afghan nationals in Japan.

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25/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Accompanies H.E. Minister Mr. Durrani to Tokyo University of Agriculture

March 25, 2015: It was a great honor for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to accompany Afghanistan's Minister for Rural Rehabilitation and Development His Excellency Mr. Nasir Ahmad Durrani and His Senior Adviser Mr. Ahmad Tamim Asey and Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri to the Tokyo University of Agriculture. Their Excellencies were warmly welcomed by the university's President Dr. Katsumi Takano and Vice-President Dr. Kaiko Natsuaki, JICA's Deputy Director South Asia Division 2 Ms. Rumiko Nomura, along with the university's Deputy Director, Chief Officer for International Programs and Professors, Dr. Yoichi Sakata, Dr. Shin-ichi Iwai, and Professor Fumio Watanabe respectively.

H.E. Minister Mr. Durrani addressed the 12 Afghan students in attendance and encouraged them to continue studying hard for the betterment of Afghanistan. President Dr. Takano pledged to increase the number of Afghan students accepted on scholarships which will act to directly facilitate self-reliant development not only for Afghanistan but also for the region. Their Excellencies Minister Mr. Durrani and Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, their deep appreciation for the efforts of Tokyo University of Agriculture in facilitating such an outcome.

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25/05/2015 Embassy Hosts Afghanistan Business Event With JCI

May 25, 2015: It was a great pleasure for the Embassy to host the first of its kind Afghanistan business and economic event. In front of sixty-five Japanese business people, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie led the Embassy's efforts in presenting Afghanistan as a vibrant land of opportunity for Japanese business and investment. Junior Chamber International communicated to the Embassy that some JCI members are now wanting to go to Afghanistan to engage in business activities and the local Chairman, the esteemed Mr. Soichiro Yoshikoka, articulated that his own and other members' perceptions of Afghanistan had completely changed in what was a successful event for promoting various Afghan economic sectors. 

With Ambassadress Fatimie in attendance, the evening started with speeches by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Mr. Yoshikoka which were followed by a half-an-hour presentation on Afghanistan's business and investment opportunities by the Embassy's Public Affairs Officer. Then a question and answer session was held between the business people and diplomats before a buffet dinner of sumptuous Afghan cuisine was served.

Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed viewing an Afghan trade booth which demonstrated a sampling of Afghan products.

Along with fifty-three distinguished guests from JCI, additional participants also included the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Project General Manager International Division Mr. Kazuo Nishitani, Manager in Chief of International Division Mr. Chikara Shimizu, and International Division Officer Mr. Shohei Mita, Minato City Council's Director of Global, Art and Culture Planning Mr. Junya Kaku, Chief of Global Community Planning Ms. Takako Takagi, Global Community Planning Ms. Hisa Tagami, Foreign Residents Consultant Ms. Akiyo Fujinuma, as well as JTB's General Manager of Corporate Sales Mr. Shuhei Morishima, Corporate Sales Manager Mr. Akimitsu Arai, Group Leader Mr. Kohei Hamada, and Mr. Seiji Murakami, along with two Afghan public servants Mr. Obaidullah Almas and Mr. Hamdullah Hamdard from the Minister of Mines and Petroleum and the Ministry of Finance respectively.

At the end of the evening, Chairman Yoshikoka presented H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie with a beautiful porcelain panel titled "Mount Fuji in Red" in appreciation for the hosting of the successful event and Ms. Yuiko Yoshino presented a bouquet of flowers.

The evening ended with a group photo and time on the Embassy's roof viewing the Tokyo Tower. The Embassy greatly appreciates the important roles interns Kanako-san, Kana-san, Mindong-san and Shafiq-san fulfilled during the event as part of the Embassy team.

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24/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Accompanies H.E. Mr. Durrani to Nippon Sports Science University

March 24, 2015: Friend of Afghanistan and President of Nippon Sports Science University Mr. Kenshiro Matsunami warmly welcomed Their Excellencies Minister for Rural Rehabilitation and Development Mr. Nasir Ahmad Durrani and Ambassador Dr. Fatimie along with Senior Adviser Mr. Ahmad Tamim Asey and Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri. H.E. Minister Mr. Durrani communicated His deep gratitude to Mr. Matsunami and Nippon Sports and Science University which signaled that they would invite more Afghan students to study on scholarships at the university. Symbolic of the importance of the relations between Afghanistan and Japanese universities, MOFA Japan's Mr. Isami Takada was also involved in the visit.

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24/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends the Condolence Book Signing Ceremony for the Passing of the Former Prime Minister of Singapore H.E. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew

March 24, 2015: It was with a heavy heart that, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and at the same time as His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie communicate His most forthright commiserations to the honorable Republic of Singapore at a condolence book signing ceremony in this time of great anguish due to the passing away of the esteemed Former Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. In recognition of the high esteem in which H.E. Mr. Lee is held-in in Afghanistan and the importance of the relations between the two countries, a high-ranking delegation of the Afghan Government will soon arrive in Singapore to pay their respects.

Always taking the responsibility to further the relations between Afghanistan and Japan at any possible opportunity, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie at the Signing Book Ceremony also conversed with The Honorable Mr. Itoh Tadahiko from the governing Liberal Democratic Party and The Honorable Mr. Aki Awai from the opposition Democratic Party of Japan and discussed issues of mutual interest.

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25/03/2015 Mr Amiri and Public Affairs Officer Attend Minato City Council Meeting

March 25, 2015: Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri and the Public Affairs Officer attended a meeting held by Minato City Council regarding the internationalization of Minato City. During the event, the host praised the Afghan Embassy for having the highest level of hospitality, giving the most satisfaction to participants and being held in the highest regard by participants out of all the fifteen embassies involved in the 2015 Minato-ku World Carnival

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24/03/2015 Public Affairs Officer Meets With Mainichi Shimbun Journalists

March 24, 2015: Public Affairs Officer had the pleasure of meeting with Mainichi Shimbun journalists Mr. Robert Sakai-Irvine and Mrs. Rika Sakai and spoke about their upcoming Afghanistan cuisine project which will be featured in the Mainichi Shimbun.

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23/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Students from Haruta Primary School and Nagano West High School

March 23, 2015: In what was an important event of cross-cultural interaction which gave many participants their first images of Afghanistan, the Embassy warmly welcomed students and families from Haruta Primary School and Nagano West High School, representatives of Chikama International Exchange Association and members of the media Mr. Hironao Suzuki and Ms. Mika Nakazawa from Shinano Mainichi Daily News Tokyo Bureau and KHK Radio respectively. The Embassy's forty-six guests were warmly welcomed by His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie who gave a speech reminding everyone that Afghanistan and Japan's relations would soon be based on mutual partnership.

Hosted by the Public Affairs Officer, the visit commenced with a stimulating and in-depth presentation by Kaede-san, Hakiri-san and Miyu-san on Afghanistan and its culture, education system and people.

 Speeches were also given by Founder and Administrative Director of Chikuma International Exchange Association Mr. Ken Kasuga and by one of the hard working students. 

 The Embassy greatly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with our guests from Nagano and hope that they will return again in the near future. The Embassy is also highly respectful of the vital work that the Chikuma International Exchange Association is undertaking in building bridges between the people of Afghanistan and Japan.

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20/03/2015 Reception Held for the End of Minister Counsellor Mr. Faryabi's Mission in Japan

March 20, 2015: It was a somber day on March the 20th as Minister Counsellor Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Poya Faryab’s mission in Japan came to an end. Since 2012, Minister Counsellor Mr. Faryabi has served the people and Government of Afghanistan in Tokyo undertaking various capacities. At a reception to honor His contributions, speeches were given by Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, Third Secretary Mrs. Paikan and the Public Affairs Officer in what was a sad occasion for all involved.

 

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19/03/2015 H.E. Hosts Disaster Management Gathering

March 19, 2015: With Afghanistan regularly experiencing a number of natural disasters and other challenges, it was with an awareness of duty and great importance that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie welcomed General Secretary of CWS Japan Mr. Takeshi Komino and Program Coordinator Overseas Program Division of Japan Platform to the Embassy. Also in attendance was The Honorable Dr. Mohammad Daim Kakar, Director General of Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority and vital topics relating to disaster management in Afghanistan were discussed.

 

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19/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Mr. Amiri Visit Vice Minister of Education

March 19, 2015: Forty-six percent of Afghanistan's population is under the age of fifteen and therefore, the role of education is of fundamental importance. His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri made great efforts to enhance Japan's valuable contributions to Afghanistan's education sector in an important meeting with Vice-Minsiter of Education The Honorable Mr. Shinichi Yamanaka.

 

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie politely requested that the number of scholarships awarded to Afghan students be increased as it is one of the best possible investments for Afghanistan's future and due to the fact that education is the foundation of peace and sustainable socioeconomic development. Additionally, it was requested that cooperation between Afghan and Japanese universities increases as this will lead to Afghanistan's increasing self-reliant development. Japan was sincerely thanked for the noble country's invaluable efforts in facilitating the development of Afghanistan's education sector which has led to a transformation in the lives of Afghans and their families in communities across the country.

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18/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Former Police Inspector Mr. Tanaka

 

March 18, 2015: Afghanistan's broad relations with Japanese society have been increasing in both depth and substance. The Embassy's cordial interactions with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is no exception and it was with great warmth that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie welcomed former Inspector of Azabu Police Station Security Section Mr. Masafumi Tanaka to the Embassy. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed His appreciation to Mr. Tanaka for the great job he did during his time as Inspector and wished him all the best for his future career. Mr. Tanaka assured H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie that he will continue to assist Afghanistan in anyway he can in his new work capacity.

 

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18/03/2015 Mr. Amiri Attends Public Lecture

March 18, 2015: Third Secretary Mr. Sayed Ali Asghar Amiri had the honor of attending a lecture delivered by Dr. Ramachandra Guha titled "Between Nationalism and Internationalism: The Political Philosophy of Rabindranath" held at the International House of Japan. Mr. Rabindranath Tagore is an admired intellectual who was the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize.

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 18/03/2015 Mr. Karimi Meets With Asian Productivity Organization Representatives

March 18, 2015: The Asian Productivity Organization promotes productivity because it is one of the keys to achieving sustainable socio-economic development and with this in mind for the people of Afghanistan, Second Secretary Mr. Mohammad Yasir Karimi met with APO representatives Administration & Finance Department Director Mr. Sherman Loo Information & Public Relations Officer Ms. Martini Abdul Aziz to obtain information on the procedures for APO membership and the activities of the organization. Mr. Karimi also had the great pleasure of greeting APO Secretary-General Mr. Mari Amano.
In order to view Mr. Karimi's important visit which is featured as the headline news on the APO website, please click here.

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16/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Participates in Symposium Concerning the 70th Anniversary of the UN

March 16, 2015: The United Nations faces many challenges in its capacity to effectively deal with crises in the contemporary world. On the invitation of MoFA Japan, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie represented Afghanistan and participated in a symposium which addressed such challenges while recognizing the international body's 70th Anniversary. Headlining the event's proceedings were two speeches, one delivered by Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, which outlined Japan's longstanding leadership and support within the United Nations' framework to improve human security for the betterment of humankind.

 

The other speech was conducted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who expressed His appreciation for Japan's efforts toward achieving world peace and outlined some of the challenges that are evolving and spreading with great speed. H.E. General Secretary Mr. Ban also articulated His vision of supporting young people to not only be leaders in the future but also to take on roles of leadership in the present world.

 

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16/03/2015 H.E. Attends Peace Lecture by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey

 

March 16, 2015: Turkey holds a high reputation among the people of Afghanistan for their efforts in the reconstruction and peaceful development of the country. With the view that peaceful development based on mutual consensus, consent and the equal and fair sharing of global wealth, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Numan Kurtulmus, presented a lecture titled, "A New World Peace is Possible: The Contribution of Islamic Civilization". H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie took the opportunity to, on behalf of the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, thank the people and Government of Turkey for supporting Afghanistan. In response H.E. Dr. Numan Kurtulmus expressed that Turkey would continue to support bringing peace to Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also expressed His gratitude to the esteemed Ambassador of Turkey, His Excellency Mr. Ahmet Bulent Meric, for His invitation to what was a highly relevant and insightful event.

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16/03/2015 Embassy Participates in Afghan Kite Festival Meeting

March 16, 2015: The President of the Educational Foundation of Nippon Sport Science University Group Mr. Kenshiro Matsunami and His wife Mrs. Kuniko Matsunami, Assistant Manager Public Relations Division of Nippon Sport Science University Mr. Hiroyuki Kikuna, Principal of Nittai Ebara High School Mr. Takuzo Ooishi, Vice Principal Mr. Kiyoi Ito, outstanding teacher Mr. Yabuta, Chairman of Japan Kite Association Mr. Teruo Suga, the President of Suisho Japanese restaurant Mr. Takahashi who supplied the delicious food for the 2015 Afghan Kite Festival, the distinguished Ms. Satou, and the Embassy's Public Affairs Officer participated in a working dinner to discuss the recent 2015 Afghan Kite Festival as well as the 2016 event.
The Embassy extends its sincerest of appreciation to everyone involved, not only for their hard work and valuable time but also for their passion and dedication for strengthening Afghan-Japan relations at the grassroots level.

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13/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Expresses His Appreciation to Motoko-san

March 13, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie greatly appreciated the diligence, reliability, responsibility, showing of initiative and being willing to self-sacrifice that valuable intern member Motoko-san demonstrated in assisting to facilitate the 2015 Afghan Kite Festival. The Embassy received praise regarding Motoko-san's enthusiastic and dedicated efforts from Japan-Afghanistan Association President Mrs. Kuniko Matsunami and, despite the rain and cold weather, Motoko-san was a shining representative of both Japan and of Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie spent considerable time to emphasize His appreciation for her outstanding work and also gave His best wishes to Motoko-san for her future life and career, while kindly asking her not to forget the people of Afghanistan.

 

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13/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Welcomes Dr. Mohammad Daim Kakar

March 13, 2015: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Embassy staff all took great pleasure in warmly welcoming Director General of Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority Dr. Mohammad Daim Kakar to the Embassy. Dr. Mohammad Daim Kakar is in Japan to represent Afghanistan and participate in the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction which is being held in Sendai from the 14th to 18th of March.

 

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12/03/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends MOFA Japan and Fukushima Prefecture Organized Seminar

March 12, 2015: The efforts of the virtuous people of Fukushima are a shining example to the world and it was with great anticipation that His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended the "Messages to the World from Revitalizing Fukushima" seminar which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fukushima Prefecture.

 

 

Hosted at Iikura House and with speeches by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs The Honorable Mr. Kentaro Sonoura and Governor of Fukushima Prefecture The Honorable Mr. Masao Uchibori, the seminar conveyed information regarding the revitalization processes that have occurred as well as the current safety situation.

 

Representing the esteemed Ambassadors in attendance, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie rose and delivered an important speech which thanked and congratulated the Government of Japan and The Hon. Governor Mr. Uchibori for the excellent results that have been achieved so far in the on going process of physically, socially and economically revitalizing the region, despite enormous obstacles. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie said that, "I am confidant that the problems will be overcome due to the work at the local, prefecture and national levels of government". He added that, "My prayers and thoughts are with the victims of this disaster and with the entire noble nation of Japan". Such genuine support and leadership by a foreign representative is deeply appreciated by both the people and also the government of Japan.

 

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