11/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends 30th Anniversary of Minato City Declaration as City of Peace; Embassy Participates Minato City Festival 2015

October 10 and 11, 2015:
Minato City Festival was held on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October, at wider Shiba Koen area in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The embassy of Afghanistan participated by opening a booth to introduce its rich culture and history, as well as honored having being invited to the one of the main event of the festival, a panel discussion session with the university students to think about peace, by commemorating this year being Minato-ku’s 30th anniversary since it has declared itself as City of Peace in 1985.

The panel discussion session was opened with the attendance of the Honorable Mayor of Minato City Mr. Masaaki Takei, and it was an honor of His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie to communicate with Mayor Mr. Takei at the occasion, by expressing His Excellency’s congratulations for 30th anniversary of the declaration, deep appreciation for the cooperation of Minato City as the embassy of Afghanistan has stationed in the city since 2008, and respect to the local government’s promoting efforts for delivering message of peace to the world. The Honorable Mr. Takei responded with his gratitude that it is such an honor and pleasure to have H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie at the occasion, and appreciated the words that he, too, wishes to work together in the Minato-ku for further promoting the peace. Following the exchange, H.E. Ambassador delivered the keynote speech regarding peace and Afghanistan.

The session continued as H.E. Dr. Fatimie, along with Mr. Ghafoori, first secretary, and Mr. Karimi, second secretary, and 9 university students from Minato City appeared on the stage, and discussed the peace –why it is difficult to attain, relation with religion, and what we can do. Throughout the discussion session and since its preparations, the participating students had expressed that it really was an honor to have H.E. Ambassador Fatimie and the embassy’s involvement to this commemorating event, and for such a complex topic they had learned so much and very much inspired that the event became such a memorable one for them as well as for Minato City. The session was concluded successfully as the students side remarked their willingness that what has discussed be remembered and even small steps may make a positive movement to realize a peaceful world.

The embassy of Afghanistan’s booth opened for 2 days in “peace plaza” area of the festival was visited by number of people. The booth was decorated with the displays of Afghan traditional clothes, dolls, photo panels, etc. Afghan snacks such as goshifil and sambosa, prepared fully by the embassy, were distributed for free of charge, and they were very popular among visitors. 14 embassies of other countries stationing in Minato City also had their booths, and it was an honor of the embassy to receive Mayor Takei’s visit there by representing Afghanistan. Additionally, it was a pleasure of the embassy to communicate and further strengthen the friendly inter-embassy relationship with other embassies, as well as local residents and businesses through this event. The embassy of Afghanistan in Japan expresses its deep appreciation to Minato City Office and the officers for the coordination and cooperation for the embassy’s successful participation for the entire occasion.

9/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends JICA Seminar by Dr. Barnett R. Rubin

October 09, 2015:
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie had a pleasure of attending JICA seminar “Afghanistan in the Transformation Decade ; Its Prospects and Challenges” by Dr. Barnett R. Rubin of New York University. Following the seminar, Dr. Khaled Reshad of Karez Health & Educational services, Mr. Masataka Nakahara and Mr. Ichiro Tambo of JICA, and Mr. Koichiro Tanaka of JIME Center, the Institute of Energy economics, participated along with Dr. Rubin the panel discussion regarding current situation in Afghanistan and commitment to supporting development efforts of Afghanistan.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his gratitude to Dr. Rubin for his comprehensive and impressive presentation that included facts, reality and truth of Afghanistan. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Ambassador also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to donor countries such as the United States and Japan for maintaining the assistances to Afghanistan for the “transition decade” to upcoming “transformation decade,” and ensuring the supports over the years, particularly for JICA for having been administrating the generous and comprehensive development assistance.
The program was attended by many key figures from wide range of fields and a number of journalists, which proves the appeal of the topic and for the Afghanistan.

In the afternoon, Dr. Rubin along with the accompanying guests made a courtesy call on H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie at the Embassy of Afghanistan. H.E. Dr. Fatimie, with Mr. Ghafoori and Ms. Afzali, both are First Secretary, warmly welcomed them, and had a pleasure of conversing regarding situation of Afghanistan from the perspectives of domestically and internationally in a friendly atmosphere.

8/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Participates Hidden Japan 2015 Reception

October 08, 2015:
It was an honor and pleasure once again for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie to participate the photo contest and exhibition of diplomats stationed in Japan, the Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes. This year, titled Hidden Japan 2015, it received photo applications from 42 embassies, including of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie of Afghanistan. The awarding ceremony and opening reception was held at Roppongi Hills with the gracious presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Honorary Chairperson of the Committee of the exhibition. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had a pleasure of communicating with other participating Ambassadors of other countries to share their artistic perspectives of Japan.

2/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Invited to Observe Graduation and Entrance Ceremony of Yokohama City University

October 02, 2015:
It was a pleasure of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie to be invited and observe the graduation and the entrance ceremony of Yokohama City University. The ceremonies were held separately, though consecutively. The university has been one of well known one in Japan among Afghan former exchange students since it has accepted Afghan students constantly for past some years, especially in the academic field of farming and genetics through official scholarship program provided by Japan. This year specifically, 3 Afghan students had successfully fulfilled their academic courses to earn master’s degree from the university.

At the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie delivered the speech and congratulated the graduates and enrolling 2 new students, and extended his deep gratitude both for Yokohama City University and Japanese government, particularly JICA for directly administrating the scholarship which has given educational opportunities to many Afghans, as well as Japan Science and Technology Agency for providing the program. It was H.E. Ambassador’s pleasure to present an Afghan traditional clothes “chapan” to the president of the university, Mr. Yoshinobu Kubota, for supporting Afghan students over the years. H.E. Dr. Fatimie also had a pleasure of meeting Mr. Kimio Okada, vice president of the university; Mr. Masaru Tachibana, dean of graduate school of Nanobioscience; Mr. Kaname Araki, Director for General Affairs Department, International Affairs Bureau, City of Yokohama; Mr. Yasushi Shintani, senior staff Department of International Affairs, Japan Science and Technology Agency to appreciate their effort that help build a foundation of development in Afghanistan.

The ceremony was also reported on Yokohama City University's webpage. Please visit http://www.yokohama-cu.ac.jp/res/h27fall_e_ceremony_report.html(available in Japanese)

2/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Reception of National Foundation Day of Korea

October 02, 2015:
It was His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie’s pleasure to attend the reception of National Foundation Day of Korea, celebrating Republic of Korea’s national day. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had an honor of meeting and exchanging the words with H.E. Ambassador Mr. Yoo Heung-soo of Republic of Korea, that on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Fatimie congratulated for the occasion, and expressed his gratitude for Republic of Korea’s support and assistance to Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Yoo in response expressed his appreciation for H.E. Dr. Fatimie’s attendance to the reception, and his kind words. Both Ambassadors agreed to maintain the good relation of Afghanistan and Republic of Korea while they work together in Japan.

2/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends Reception of Day of German Unity

October 02, 2015:
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie had an honor of attending the reception of Day of German Unity. It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to communicate with H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hans Carl Freiherr von Werthern of Federal Republic of Germany to Japan, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, to congratulate for the occasion, and to express the deepest gratitude for the development support and military assistance that have definitely have helped Afghanistan and for its future. In response, H.E. Ambassador Freiherr von Werthern expressed his appreciation for H.E. Dr. Fatimie’s attendance and his kind words, as well as his wishes for closer and friendly relation of Germany and Afghanistan.

It was His Excellency's pleasure to meet again with Her Excellency Minister of Justice Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, the Honorable Member of House of Representatives, who was also in attendance. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie communicated with H.E. Minister Ms. Kamikawa to extend his gratitude to renew the wide-range reconstruction assistance by Japanese government to Afghanistan. In return H.E. Minister Ms. Kamikawa expressed appreciation to H.E. Dr. Fatimie's words, and Her Excellency's wish that the amicable relation of Japan and Afghanistan be maintained.

1/10/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Observes Entrance Ceremony of Kobe Institute of Computing

October 01, 2015: Kobe Institute of Computing has been accepting students from overseas, including Afghans, to offer them an opportunity and environment to learn information technology in Japan. This year, 5 new students from Afghanistan have arrived to join the school, and it was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie to be invited for their entrance ceremony in Kobe. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe; Ambassadors or diplomats of countries of which students come from; Mr. Hirohiko Takata, Deputy Director General of JICA; Mr. Tadashi Yokoyama, African Development Bank Group; Mr. Hideki Asami, President of Nikken Sekkei Civil Engineering Ltd; and many others, who H.E. Dr. Fatimie had a pleasure of communicating with. Following H.E. Mayor Hisamoto, H.E. Ambassador delivered a speech to extend his gratitude to the KIC having been offering a chance for not only Afghans but also for others around the world to study such an emerging field of study, and for Japanese government to support such policy. H.E. Dr. Fatimie also encouraged the Afghan students that it is a precious opportunity for them to earn specialized field of education, therefore should they try their best and the country is looking forward to having them back to foster the development.

Following the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had an honor to meet and converse with the founder of the school, Mr. Tomio and Mrs. Kazuko Fukuoka, at the reception. Among others, 5 Afghan students expressed their appreciation and excitement for the opportunity, and renewed their commitment to study hard for the upcoming academic period at KIC. H.E. Ambassador once again greeted them, and it was His Excellency’s pleasure to meet distinguished guests attending, Mr. Toshiki Sumitani (president), Mr. Kenji Fukuoka (vice president), Mr. Ryuji Matsunaga (advisor to vice president), Mr. Mamoru Ito (dean of the graduate school), Mr. Ryosuke Okuda, Mr. Sandor Markon, Mr. Hisato Shima, Mr. Ikuo Sugiyama, and Mr. Teruaki Yokoyama, of Kobe Institute of Computing; Mr. Alex Ross, Director, and Dr. Ryoma Kayano of World Health Organization Center for Health Development (Kobe Centre); Mr. Tetsuro Yano, president of Association of African Economy & Development Japan ECA Committee; Mr. Akira Yoshida, Managing Director of Hyogo Economic Development Center; and Mr. Takani Azuma of Nikken Sekkei Civil Engineering Ltd.

29/09/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends the 85th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

September 29, 2015:
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie had a great honor and pleasure of attending the 85th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the reception, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ahmad Younos S. Al Barrak of Saudi Arabia for the occasion and his wishes for the welfare of the people of the country, as well as to maintain good Afghan-Saudi Arabian relation, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In return, H.E. Mr. Al Barrak expressed his appreciation for the attendance and the words of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, and agreed to keep the good relation of two countries. H.E. Dr. Fatimie also had a pleasure to communicate with the attending Ambassadors of other countries at the occasion.

29/09/2015 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie Attends the 66th National Day of the People’s Republic of China

September 29, 2015: It was a great honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie to attend the 66th National Day of People’s Republic of China, greeted by H.E. Ambassador Mr. Cheng Yonghua. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, congratulated H.E. Ambassador Mr. Cheng for the occasion, expressed the appreciation for China’s cooperation for redevelopment of Afghanistan and his wishes for the well being of the people, the Government of China, and the neighboring relationship of the two countries, Afghanistan and China. In response H.E. Ambassador Mr. Cheng expressed his appreciation for H.E. Dr. Fatimie’s attendance and appreciation, and that H.E. Mr. Cheng, too, wishes to maintain the good neighboring tie.

It was also a great pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie to communicate with the Honorable Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, president of New Komeito Party and close friend of H.E. Dr. Fatimie; the Honorable Member of House of Representative, former Minister for Health and Welfare, Mr. Yuya Niwa; the Honorable Member of House of Councillors Mr. Yukihisa Fujita; the Honorable Member of House of Representatives Mr. Shunsuke Mutai; Mr. Sean G. Reilly from the U.S. Embassy; and many other key members of Diet, officials of Japanese government, Ambassadors stationed in Tokyo, and distinguished guests.

(photo: courtesy of the Honorable Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi’s office)