2018.28.2 Reception on the Occasion of H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister Andishas Visit

Reception on the Occasion of H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister Andishas Visit

February 28, 2018: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had an honor and pleasure of hosting the Reception on the Occasion of H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister Andisha's Visit to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo. Also, hosting the delegation from Afghanistan, Mr. Mohammad Ayoub Samadi, Deputy D.G of Diplomatic Archive, and Mr. Mustafa Zaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan official. All of the diplomats and staff of the Embassy were in attendance to receive the visiting dignitaries and guests.

The reception began with the opening remarks by Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary of the Afghan Embassy, firstly, welcoming H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat to the podium. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat warmly welcomed and thanked the noble guests for attending this auspicious occasion. He expressed his gratitude to the many members of the international community and the host country of Japan for their benevolent support of "Afghanistan... the beautiful country that would make you fall in love with her at first glance."

Secondly, the distinguished guest, His Excellency Mr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Deputy Foreign Minister for Management and Resources of Afghanistan, spoke about recent large-scale activity in Afghanistan. He highlighted the importance of the Kabul Process where peace-talks continue to make forward momentum and manifest hope for the region, as well as the significant progress in achieving peace within Afghanistan. He also spoke of the many progressive achievements in Afghanistan over the past 16 years, especially those undertaken since the formation of the National Unity Government. Additionally he asked for Japan’s support in considering developing further investment opportunities in the economics and import/export opportunities of Afghanistan. Furthermore, he put great emphasis on human capacity building, to further achieve prosperity for the people and government of Afghanistan.

Thirdly, His Excellency Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Assistance Minister Director-General Middle Eastern and African Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, remarked the continued excellent close historical relationship between the noble nation of Japan and Afghanistan. He hopes for the continued prosperity for both nations and further strong relations with each other.

Lastly, Honorable Mr. Junichi Yamada, Senior Vice President and Board member of JICA, addressed that JICA would continuously support the PEACE program and to engage with Afghanistan in human capacity building, and cultural ties, for the prosperity and welfare of both noble nations.

Following the remarks, the guests were invited to enjoy delicious afghan food which the embassy had prepared in honor of the occasion. At the event H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with all of the many guests including Hon. Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of the Komei Party; Hon. Mr. Isao Iijima, Advisor to the H.E. the Prime Minister of Japan and Senior Fellow of Keidanren; several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, Heads of Missions, and Diplomats with missions in Japan, members of parliament, and other dignified guests.

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2018.27.2 Accompanying H.E. Deputy Minister Andisha to Visit H.E. Deputy Foreign Minster Sato

Accompanying H.E. Deputy Minister Andisha to Visit H.E. Deputy Foreign Minster Sato.

February 27, 2018: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the pleasure of accompanying His Excellency Deputy Minister Nasir Ahmad Andisha of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan, and Mr. Bashir Ahmad Hamdard, First Secretary, to pay a visit to His Excellency Masahisa Sato. Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan. 

H.E. Dr. Andisha and H.E. Dr. Mohabbat first gave thanks to Japan for their continued support for over 16 years and then paid homage to the international community, and particularly Japan, for their aid towards the development of Afghanistan. H.E. Mr. Sato in return warmly welcomed H.E. Mr. Andisha to Japan and thanked he and H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for their kind words. 

Further, H.E. Dr. Andisha stated that Afghanistan’s current successes have largely been lead by Japan’s help and assistance throughout the years. In return, H.E. Mr. Sato promised on behalf of Japan that they would continue to stand with and help Afghanistan in the coming years. H.E. Mr. Sato also wished H.E. Dr. Andisha a pleasant and fruitful trip in Japan.

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2018.24.2 Attendance at Dinner for H.E New Ambassador of Iraq

Attendance at Dinner for H.E New Ambassador of Iraq

February 24, 2018His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat was graciously invited to the Residence of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia by Ambassador Ahmed Barak for the welcome dinner of the newly appointed Ambassador of Iraq, His Excellency Mr. Khalil Almosawi.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat first thanked H.E. Ambassador Barak for the invitation and then thanked the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their Government for the benevolent help and assist over the years aiding towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan. In return, H.E. Mr. Barak thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for accepting the invitation and his kind words.

Additionally, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat congratulated H.E. Mr. Almosawi for his recent appointment as Ambassador of Iraq in Japan and wished his many success during his tenure. In return, H.E. Mr. Almosawi thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and expressed his wishes for their relations and that of their two countries to grow and deepen. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting with several other in attendance at the event with whom he further discussed topics of mutual interest.

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2018.22.2 Attendance at the 57th National Day and 27th Liberation of the State Anniversaries for Kuwait

Attendance at the 57th National Day and 27th Liberation of the State Anniversaries for Kuwait.

February 22, 2018: It was an honor and a pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the 57th National Day Anniversary and 27th State Liberation Anniversary of Kuwait at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat took the opportunity to extend his deepest gratitude, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic Afghanistan, to the State of Kuwait, through Ambassador Extraordinary Mr. Abdul-Rahman Humood A.R. Al-Otaibi, to wish sincerest congratulations on this most celebratory day. In return, Ambassador Extraordinary Mr. Al-Otaibi thanked H.E. Mr. Mohabbat for his words and attendance at their National Day celebration.

Additionally, Mr. Mohabbat also had the opportunity to meet and converse with several of Their Excellencies Ambassadors, many high ranking Japanese officials, and members of diplomatic missions stationed in Tokyo with whom he extended his greetings and discussed areas of mutual interest such as the recent speeches by leaders of allied nations planning for active steps to achieving further peace and security in Afghanistan.

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2018.21.2 Meeting with Hon. Mr. Habib Gulzar at the embassy

Meeting with Hon. Mr. Habib Gulzar at the embassy

February 21, 2018: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting Hon. Mr. Habib Gulzar, Chairman of Habib Gulzar Group, at the embassy. Also in attendance were Mr. Ahmad Ghafoori, First Secretary and Consul; Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard, First Secretary; and Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary; all diplomats of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan.

The Habib Gulzar Group, which was founded in 1940, is the sole manufacturer and distributor of some of the worlds leading brands in Afghanistan, such as Coca Cola and Toyota.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed his warm welcome to Hon. Mr. Habib Gulzar and thanked him for taking time out of his schedule to meet with him. Mr. Gulzar expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for welcoming his visit and expressed his sincerest hope to develop even warmer and deeper ties between them. Further H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked Hon. Mr. Gulzar for advancing his business which have stimulated the Afghan economy and created jobs. The two agreed to build stronger and more profound relations between their respective company and embassy, and further discussed topics of mutual interest.

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2018.20.2 Japanese Tax System Export Meeting

Japanese Tax System Export Meeting.

February 20, 2018: His Excellency had the pleasure of meeting with Ms. Kinuka Shibamura from MOFA, JICA’s Mr. Naoyuki Nemoto for introducing the Japan tax and accounting system for possible introduction to Afghanistan.

Japan’s novel tax accounting system if implemented in Afghanistan will be a great contribution for the next generation of Afghans. This great and comprehensive system patented by Japan and being utilized by Germany, South Korea, and a few other countries is petitioned to be introduced to the Republic of Vietnam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic as well, among other countries considering using the novel Japanese system.

Ms. Shibamura of MOFA and Mr. Nemoto of JICA both thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for receiving them so warmly at the embassy. Further, they promised to do their best to facilitate all matters in order that the Japanese tax accounting system may be introduced for use in Afghanistan. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked them for the introduction of the tax system which will greatly benefit the economy of Afghanistan in the future and vowed to do all requested on the embassy’s end to help them bring this to fruition. All present further discussed topics of mutual interest.

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2018.18.2 Attendance at the 5th Afghan Kite Festival

Attendance at the 5th Afghan Kite Festival.

February 18, 2018: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had a great pleasure in attending the 5th Afghan Kite Festival, which was jointly organized by the Japan-Afghanistan Association, Nittaidai Ebara High School, and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan. 

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat gave opening remarks that it was his great pleasure that Afghanistan and Japan to have such an exchange in a shared cultural activity of both countries, like kite flying, to better understand each other as well as his hope for the future strengthening and developing of the ties between the two countries.

The event was attended by approximately 100 visitors and supporters on the cool and windy day under the radiantly beautiful sky that shone like the finest Afghan lapis lazuli. The embassy had handmade and decorated nearly 50 Afghan kites available for guests to the event to tryout and they joined the several Japanese kites being flown in the sky.

The fortunate guests to the event were able to enjoy not only the standard and deliciously prepared Japanese festival food but also Afghan chicken kabob sandwiches prepared by the embassy for the guests to try the flavors of Afghanistan.

All in all, it was highly entertaining event and all present enjoyed the inter-cultural exchange between Afghanistan and Japan. Both young and old were able to feel and appreciate even on a small scale the wonders of Afghanistan’s charm and wonder. During the duration of the event, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting with the organizing executives, officials of the supporting institutions, the schools related to Afghanistan, and several of the distinguished guests who attended the event.

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2018.14.2 Director-General Yoshimura, JETRO officials welcomed. One Village, One Product program discussed

Director-General Yoshimura, JETRO officials welcomed. One Village, One Product program discussed

February 14, 2018: His Excellency Dr. Bashir Mohabbat welcomed to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo Director-General Sachiko Yoshimura, Ms. Yuko Shiokawa, and Mr. Kozo Ono of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Second Secretary Mr. Asif Agah, and Ms. Namie Imanishi also represented the embassy during the meeting.

JETRO works to create mutually-beneficial business links between Japan and the world. Over the years, the organization has done much to encourage a greater presence in Japan for Afghan products. As the current security situation makes the business climate a bit difficult for Japanese business in Afghanistan, JETRO has looked for ways to still promote Afghan businesses and stimulate the Afghan Economy by undertaking programs it has installed for international segues into Japan - in the case of Afghanistan, to link Afghan suppliers and Afghan-owned businesses in Japan with Japanese consumers. One of the programs that has been promoted is the "One Village, One Product" format in which products from around the world are sold at key locations such as the Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport. This year, as Director-General Yoshimura explained, the program is set to feature necklaces and bracelets made from Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli as well as handmade carpets direct from the looms of Afghanistan.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed sincere appreciation for the excellent initiative and for JETRO’s steadfast dedication. Through programs such as this, awareness of Afghanistan and its crafts can continue to increase. He also asked that they sincerely consider in the future to invest further into the economy and to assist in training more of the Afghan companies and businesses to help bring them to the level of greatness of Japanese companies and businesses which will, through their assistance, serve to help grow the Afghan economy. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat assured him that the government of Afghanistan would endeavor to do all in its power to increase the strides in security and asked Japan to continue to support and assist them in doing so.

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2018.14.2 Dr. Mohabbat Visits Danish Embassy for Condolence Book Signing

Dr. Mohabbat Visits Danish Embassy for Condolence Book Signing

February 14, 2018:His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat, visited the Danish embassy, with a heavy heart for the condolence book signing of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark, husband of Her Majesty The Queen.

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2018.9.2 Reception on occasion of 39th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

Reception on occasion of 39th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran 

February 9, 2018: His Excellency, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Japan, Dr. Bashir Mohabbat attended the reception on the occasion of the 39th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran at the Iran Ambassador’s Residence.

His Excellency Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri, of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Japan, gave opening remarks and following after, His Excellency Mr. Manabu Horii Parliamentary Vice-Minister for MOFA Japan, gave his remarks. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat congratulated H.E. Acting Head Mr. Shakeri for the auspicious occasion and event. He furthered expressed his gratitude to the people and Government of their neighboring country of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their support of Afghanistan in its rebuilding process over the years. In return, H.E. Mr. Shakeri expressed his sincerest hope for the long and historic relations between their two respective countries, as well as between their two embassies, to develop even warmer and deeper ties throughout his tenure.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat extended his best wishes on this day to H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri He further expressed his hopes to strengthen and deepen the relations between their respective countries. In return, H.E. Dr. Mashaalah Shakeri expressed his appreciation for the kind words and attendance. Also in attendance were several of Their Excellencies, Heads of Missions, and Diplomats with missions in Japan, members of parliament, and other dignified guests, several of whom H.E. Dr. Mohabbat met with and discussed many topics of mutual interest.

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2018.8.2 Courtesy Call on H.E. MEXT Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi

Courtesy Call on H.E. MEXT Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi

February 8, 2018: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting His Excellency Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology at MEXT. Also in attendance was Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan.

H.E. Minister Hayashi expressed his warm welcome to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat and Mr. Agah. The Minister sincerely congratulated H.E. Dr. Mohabbat on his position and wished him the greatest success in his endeavors. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Minister Hayashi for taking time out of his schedule to meet with him and Mr. Agah, and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s great contribution on assisting with rebuilding Afghanistan. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat believes strongly that education and human capacity building is vital to the rebuilding and the future of Afghanistan. With the generous aid from Noble countries, students of Afghanistan increased from 800,000 to over 10 million students with 40% of them being female. With the continuation of MEXT Scholarships and JICA's PEACE Program, and with Japan's systematic training of Afghans, there has been a sharp increase in Masters/PhD graduates among Afghans that help Afghanistan to grow as a nation. With the prospects of Sistership of University with Japan and Afghanistan, this should boost education and cultural diversity in both nations, showing deep relations towards each other.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Minister Hayashi for his continuous support in the relations between Afghanistan and Japan, and helping Afghanistan to rebuild through education and human capacity building. In return, H.E. Minister Hayashi thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his encouraging words, and is hopeful for both nations prosperity and the continuation of strong relations. Also in attendance was the Deputy Director of MEXT’s International Affairs Division, Mr. Tetsuhito Minami, and the Director for International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Mr. Satomi Tomoka. They further discussed topics of mutual interests.

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2018.6.2 Courtesy Call by H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri of the Iranian Embassy of Japan, at the Embassy

Courtesy Call by H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri of the Iranian Embassy of Japan, at the Embassy

February 6, 2018: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic in Tokyo, had the pleasure of welcoming and meeting H.E. Acting Heading Mashaalah Shakeri of the Iranian Embassy of Japan, for a Courtesy Call in his office. Also in attendance was Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard, First Secretary for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan.

H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat for welcoming his visit, and expressed his sincerest hope for the long and historic relations between their two respective countries, as well as between their two embassies, to develop even warmer and deeper ties throughout his tenure.

In return, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri for his kind words as well as for making time to meet. He also expressed his gratitude to the people and Government of their neighboring country of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their support of Afghanistan in its rebuilding process over the years, and congratulated H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri on his appointment as the Ambassador of Iran to Japan and wished him a successful tenure. Additionally H.E. Dr. Mohabbat updated H.E. Acting Head Mashaalah Shakeri on the many progressive achievements in Afghanistan over the past 16 years especially those undertaken since the formation of the National Unity Government. The two ambassadors agreed to build stronger and more profound relations between their respective countries and embassies, and further discussed topics of mutual interest.

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