2019.30.01 Hosted Lunch, Presentation, and Bazaar for the NHK Culture Center Guests.

Hosted Lunch, Presentation, and Bazaar for the NHK Culture Center Guests.

January 30, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to host a Luncheon, presentation, and Afghan goods bazaar for 50 special guests of the NHK Culture Center at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo, Japan.

Special guests organized by the NHK Culture Center were greeted with welcoming remarks by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat who had prepared a special afternoon for the guests. Further, they were given a delightful and informative presentation on Afghanistan’s culture, history, natural resources, and progress by H.E. Dr. Mohabbat.

Following their presentation on Afghanistan, the guests were treated to a special lunch of various Afghan traditional foods carefully prepared by the embassy in honor of the occasion.

At the completion of the meal and entertainment, the guests were invited to peruse a small bazaar set-up with booths in which local Afghan businesses in Japan displayed Afghan craft and art items such as rugs, scarves, Afghan traditional clothing, Afghanistan sourced precious stone jewelry items, award winning Afghan saffron, and dried Afghan fruits and nuts for them to view, and inquire further about. All those present had an enjoyable time and remarked at how impressed they were with their new introduction to the wonders of Afghanistan.

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2019.29.01 Attendance at Farewell Reception for H.E. Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Japan

Attendance at Farewell Reception for H.E. Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Japan.

January 29, 2019: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat attended the farewell reception for H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Japan, at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat congratulated H.E. Ambassador Dr. Khan on the completion of his tenure as Ambassador to Japan. Furthermore, he wished H.E. Dr. Khan success in his future endeavors. H.E. Dr. Khan thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance as well as for his kind words. While at the reception, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the opportunity to meet and converse with H.E. Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, former Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, as well as former Minister of Defense to whom he extended sincerest thanks on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the generous and benevolent support over the years that the great friendly nation of Japan has shown. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting with others of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors such as H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hasan Murat Mercan of the Republic of Turkey, diplomats, and other distinguished guests who attended the event.

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2019.28.01 Attendance at the Reception on the Occasion of the 70th Republic Day of India

Attendance at the Reception on the Occasion of the 70th Republic Day of India.

January 28, 2019: It was a pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat attend the reception on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day of India at Hotel Okura in Tokyo.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat congratulated the people and Government of India through H.E. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Ambassador of India to Japan, on such an auspicious day wishing them all the best in continued peace and prosperity. Further H.E. Dr. Mohabbat congratulated H.E. Mr. Verma on his beginning his new role as Ambassador and wished him all the best success during his tenure and expressed hopes for their two embassies as well as their selves to develop even stronger ties. In conclusion, he intimated that India has proven to be a good friend and stood with Afghanistan over the years during the rebuilding process, helping to bring the current progress & achievements, and their help and sacrifices, like others from the international community, holds a place of appreciation and honor in the heart of Afghans. In return, H.E. Mr. Verma thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words, expressed his hopes for them to develop stronger ties during his tenure, and assured that India will continue to aid Afghanistan in their time of need.

While at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the opportunity to meet once again with H.E. Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister and Japan Philippine Parliamentary League Chairman, as well as H.E. Mr. Kiminori Iwama, Chief of Protocol for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, to whom he expressed his appreciation and sincerest thanks, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, for the friendly nation of Japan's continuous and benevolent support over the years. Additionally, he had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors such as H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Dr. Hans Carl Freiherr von Werthern of the Federal Republic of Germany, and H.E. Mr. Lui Tuck Yew of the Republic of Singapore; Vice Admiral Umio Otsuka President of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Command and Staff College and former Chief of Staff to Commander in Chief Self Defense Fleet, Japan’s Senior National Representative to U.S. Central Command, and commanding officer of the JMDSDF Training Squadron; diplomats, parliamentarians, high ranking members from Japan’s business sectors, and other dignified guests all present in honor of the auspicious occasion.

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2019.27.01 Attendance at the NPO Association of Sahadat for Children in Afghanistan (ASCA) Reception in Gifu Prefecture

Attendance at the NPO Association of Sahadat for Children in Afghanistan (ASCA) Reception in Gifu Prefecture.

January 27, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attended the NPO Association of Sahadat for Children in Afghanistan (ASCA)’s Reception at the Grand Hotel in Gifu Prefecture.

The NPO ASCA is actively contributing to the support of the education sector in Afghanistan. Since 2011, ASCA’s tireless efforts have helped to improve the quality of life and educational opportunities of Afghan children and their communities through hosting events such as this. In his keynote speech, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat spoke to on the progress that Afghanistan has made since 2001, especially since the formation of the National Unity Government, and expressed deepest gratitude on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan for the benevolent assistance and support of the friendly and noble nation of Japan over the years, most notably from the people of Gifu.

During the ceremony, Hon. Mr. Masanao Shibahashi, Mayor of Gifu City also gave remarks regarding the close ties and earnest feelings for supporting Afghanistan that the people of Gifu have and would continue to have as Afghanistan continues to strive for peace and prosperity. Among the numerous dignitaries who attended the well-appointed reception was Hon. Ms. Junko Morita, President Of Gifu Broadcast, whom H.E. Dr. Mohabbat greeted and thanked on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the continuous support to Afghanistan by showcasing its many wonderful aspects through the media. In return, Hon. Ms. Morita thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and assured him that Gifu Broadcast would continue to find ways to showcase the many beautiful wonders of Afghanistan for the people of Japan to see.

Also while at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Shinji Matsuo, Curator of the Tottori Sand Dunes Sand Museum which will be debuting a sand sculpture depicting an historic Afghan monument in their annual sand exhibit opening later this year.All of the guests present were treated to the spirit of Afghanistan’s hospitality which included entertainment showcasing the stylings of Afghanistan’s music scene. Also they were able to enjoy some carefully prepared traditional Afghan dishes in order to taste the flavors they would encounter on a trip to Afghanistan. It was a notable night enjoyed by all.

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2019. 27.01 Attendance at Reception for H.E. Ms. Seiko Noda in Gifu Prefecture

Attendance at Reception for H.E. Ms. Seiko Noda in Gifu Prefecture.

January 27, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend a reception for the H.E. Ms. Seiko Noda, Member of the House of Representatives and the former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment, and Minister of State for the Social Security and Tax Number System, in Gifu Prefecture.

Not only is H.E. Ms. Noda a long time personal friends of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat but she is also a longtime friend of Afghanistan. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Ms. Noda for the invitation to the event during his time in Gifu Prefecture as well as expressed, on behalf of people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, deep appreciation to the Japanese government through H.E. Ms. Noda for its continuing support of Afghanistan’s reconstruction process which is paving the way for increased greater livelihood, peace and prosperity for the Afghan people in an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process.

In return, H.E. Ms. Noda thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance the event, for his kind words, as well as assured that she would see to it that Japan would continue to stand by Afghanistan well into the future, most particularly as the Afghan people hold a special place in her heart. While at the event, he also had the pleasure of meeting with members of Government, prominent business members, and other distinguished guests all present in honor to celebrate the H.E. Ms. Noda.

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2019.26.19 Attendance at Chukyo University Alumni “Networking Event” and New Year Reception

Attendance at Chukyo University Alumni “Networking Event” and New Year Reception.

January 26, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the “Networking Event” and New Year reception celebration by Alumni of Chukyo University at the Hilton Nagoya.

As an alumnus of Chukyo University, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat was again invited to the reception. The university, established 65 years ago, initially had only one department – Commerce. But currently has 11 undergraduate departments and 11 graduate level research courses, including professional schools of law and business. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure to meet with Dr. Kiyohide Umemura, Chancellor Chairman of Chukyo University to whom he extended his thanks to for hosting the successful event. He thanked the event planner for his kind and very thorough welcoming and the care he received when he was student at Chukyo as the first foreign student of the university. Moreover, he intimated just how proud he was of the invaluable education he received for the institution that holds so dear a place in his heart, which through their all-encompassing, high-caliber training he is certain it helped to bring him to where he is in life. In return, Dr. Uemura thanked him for his attendance and for giving his kind words, further remarking how proud they were of H.E. Dr. Mohabbat as the university’s first Ambassador Alumnus. While at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of speaking with many of his fellow alumni of the university who were in attendance to network with former classmates at the event.

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2019.24.19 Courtesy Call by Gifu Broadcast Representatives

Courtesy Call by Gifu Broadcast Representatives.

January 24, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to receive a courtesy call meeting by Hon. Ms. Junko Morita, President of Gifu Broadcast; Mr. Tatsuji Hara, Executive Officer and Tokyo Branch General Manager; and Mr. Yohei Kuratani, Head of the Tokyo Office of Gifu Broadcast, at the embassy. Also in attendance was Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed his thanks to Hon. Ms. Morita, Mr. Hara and Mr. Kuratani for asking to meet with him and remarked on the gratefulness for such a unique opportunity in reaching out to the media and welcoming them into them Embassy as guests where they can feel firsthand the good feeling of Afghan hospitality and culture in a warm setting. Further, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat added sincere thanks for their assistance working with organizations such as the Gifu based NPO, Association of Sahadat for Children in Afghanistan (ASCA), in order to help promote Afghanistan by presenting and showing the warm side of Afghanistan’s rich culture and history to Japanese audiences and added his wishes for continued good relations and collaborations among them well into the future. Moreover, he reiterated his sincerest and most heartfelt thanks on behalf of the people and Government of Afghanistan, to the people and Government of Japan for their benevolent assistance, tireless support, and interest in establishing peace and prosperity for Afghanistan.

All of those in attendance met in a very amicable environment and were able to discuss various topics that could potentially serve to help bridge the gap in understanding of Afghanistan’s culture to a Japanese audience. Moreover, the Hon. Mr. Hara and Mr. Kuratani expressed their appreciation for the attention given to them along with the new things learned about Afghanistan and thus promised to bring the many positive sides of Afghanistan's history, culture, and progress -often overlooked- into more prominent coverage for Japanese audiences in the future.

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2019.22.01 Reception on the Occasion of the Visit by Delegation Members from the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan Under the JENESYS2018 SAARC 2nd Batch Program

Reception on the Occasion of the Visit by Delegation Members from the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan Under the JENESYS2018 SAARC 2nd Batch Program.

January 22, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to host a dinner reception in honor of the Visit by Delegation Members from the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan, General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan Under the JENESYS2018 SAARC 2nd Batch Program, at the embassy’s Rumi Balkhi Hall. All of the Diplomats and staff were present to receive the honored guests for the evening’s festivities.

Over 40 guests from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), Secretariat of the Headquarters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan’s Olympic Committee, Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), and other private institutions joined the Afghan delegation members for the event. Special guests attending the event were Hon. Mr. Mitsuo Tsukahara, 5-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Japan Olympic Committee Executive Board member and Vice President of the Japan Gymnastic Association; Olympic Gold Medalist Mr. Haruki Uemura, President of the Kodokan Judo Institute and 9th Dan; and the 57th Yokozuna, Mr. Goro Ishiyama, Curator of the Sumo Museum, and Former Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association.

The evening’s Emcee Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary, welcomed each speaker to the podium to give their remarks. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat first began by thanking the people and Government of the noble nation of Japan for their most benevolent and gracious support over the years in the redevelopment of Afghanistan. Further in his speech he highlighted the wonderful works of international solidarity Japan’s governmental agencies such as JICE’s JENESYS Program enacting “unity between allies who recognize the worthiness in each other, collaborating together in different landscapes, towards the same objective. The most important of these objectives is aiding in the development of humanity to its highest level possible – towards universal and lasting peace.”

The other guest speakers were H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Assistant Minister & Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau; as well as Special Representative to Afghanistan, at MOFA Japan who spoke particularly on the close ties between Afghanistan and Japan; Hon. Mr. Kenshiro Matsunami, President of the Educational Foundation of Nippon Sport Science University Group and Chair of the Japan-Afghan Friendship Association who spoke particularly on his memories of his time in Afghanistan and her warm, charming people; Hon. Ms. Masako Kishimoto, Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) who spoke particularly on the efforts of her organization to create solidarity; and Hon. Mr. Najibullah Sekandar, Executive Board Member and President of the Taekwondo Association of Afghanistan, who spoke particularly on what the participants of the program hoped to enjoy from this venture in Japan; and all of whom spoke on the unique and important opportunity of bridging the relations and cultures of Afghanistan and Japan through joint learning ventures such as those offered through the JENESYS Program as well as their hopes for a numerous and successful showing by the Afghan National Olympic team in next year’s Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

Following the remarks, all of the guests were gathered for a group photo after which they were invited to dine on the traditional Afghan cuisine which was carefully prepared by the Embassy in honor of the guests’ visit.

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2019.19.01 Attendance at the New Year's Party 2019 hosted by GIF Minato International Association

Attendance at the New Year's Party 2019 hosted by GIF Minato International Association.

January 19, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the New Year's Party 2019 hosted by GIF Minato International Association at the at the International University of Health and Welfare’s Akasaka Campus in Tokyo.

The keynote speaker of the event was the Hon. Mr. Masaaki Takei, Mayor of Minato City who spoke on the significance of Japan’s relations with the international community, especially that of his own command in Minato City, as we approach the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games which will be a great opportunity for strengthening and expanding bonds of international friendships. On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed his sincerest gratitude to both Ms. Kumiko Torikai, Chair of the Board of Directors of Minato International Association, and Ms. Mai Morohashi, Chair of the Executive Committee for the Minato International Association New Year’s Party, for their organization’s continued interest in promoting the culture and heritage of Afghanistan through their many sponsored events as it helps to open a broader view of Afghanistan for the people of Japan and the International community. In return they thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance at the event, the wonderful Afghan items the Embassy donated to their event’s Silent Auction, and assured him that Minato International Association would continue to host events and offer opportunities in cooperation with the embassy by which to showcase the many facets of Afghan culture and heritage.

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2019.18.01 Attendance at Reception Hosted by Hon. Deputy Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

Attendance at Reception Hosted by Hon. Deputy Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

January 18, 2019: It was an honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the reception and training seminar hosted by Hon. Mr. Makita Shimokawa, Deputy Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the Mita Kagisho reception hall in Tokyo.

This reception was held in order to conjointly serve as a networking reception and a training seminar for members of missions and the officials of the local governments. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting with the host, Hon. Deputy Vice-Minister Shimokawa to whom he expressed gratitude for hosting the networking and training event. Further, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, he thanked the noble and friendly people and Government of Japan for their steadfast and benevolent support of Afghanistan over the years on its quest for redevelopment as well as its cooperation as it continues to work for peace in and Afghan-own and Afghan-led peacebuilding process.

In return, Hon. Deputy Vice-Minister Shimokawa thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words as well as assured him that Japan would continue to stand with Afghanistan well into the future. Also, while at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting with several others of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, diplomats with missions in Japan, members of government, and distinguished guests all present for the reception and training seminar.

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2019.17.01 Attendance at the Reception Honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Japan

Attendance at the Reception Honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Japan.

January 17, 2019: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat attended the reception for the 90th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Japan, at the Tokyo residence of H.E. the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Japan.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat expressed congratulations to the people and Government of Iran, through H.E. Ambassador Mr. Morteza Rahmani Movahed, on the occasion. Further, he also entreated him that their neighboring people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran work and cooperate together with Afghanistan as it strives for further redevelopment and peace across the region as well as the world. In return, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Rahmani Mohaved expressed his appreciation for H.E. Dr. Mohabbat's attendance and assured him that Iran would continue to cooperate with Afghanistan to secure a lasting regional and global peace. While at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting with H.E. Mr Fumio Kishida, Japan-Iran Parliamentary League President, Chairman Of Policy Council of Liberal Democratic Party, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Japan to whom he expressed sincerest thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the steadfast and benevolent support and assistance by the people and Government of Japan over the years as it strives for redevelopment, peace, and prosperity, enabling the improvement in the economy and in the livelihoods of the Afghan people. In return, H.E. Mr. Kishida thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and assured him that Japan would continue to stand with Afghanistan well into the future.

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2019.15.01 Attendance at the 2019 Tokyo Ambassador Night

Attendance at the 2019 Tokyo Ambassador Night.

January 15, 2019: It was an honor for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the evening reception entitled “Tokyo Ambassadors Night” hosted by Hon. Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum for a private viewing of their ‘Munch: A Retrospective’ exhibit.

This evening was an event to honor all of the Ambassadors and Heads of Mission in Tokyo and enable them to meet, network further, and learn about the many wonders of Tokyo. Also they were treated to displays showing aspects of Japanese cultures well as many of the flavors and foods of Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat had the opportunity to meet and speak once again with Hon. Governor Ms. Koike, to whom he expressed thanks for hosting this event as well as profound gratitude on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the tireless dedication and benevolence Japan has shown to Afghanistan over the years in its reconstruction process and continued cooperation and support as it strives for peace. In return, Hon. Mayor Koike thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for attending the event, his kind words regarding the strong ties between their respective countries, and reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining and furthering the bilateral relationship they have enjoyed well into the future. Further, Hon. Mayor Koike expressed her sincerest hopes to see a large number of Afghan athletes on the Afghanistan National Olympic Team competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to which H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also expressed his hopes that they would have a large representation competing in a number of sports events to show all their best efforts. While at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of also meeting and speaking with several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors and Heads of Missions in Japan, as well as other distinguished guests, all of whom were present for the outstanding occasion.

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2019.14.01 Attendance at the 2019 Kagami Biraki and Budo Hajime at Nihon Budokan

Attendance at the 2019 Kagami Biraki and Budo Hajime at Nihon Budokan.

January 14, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the 2019 Kagami Biraki and Budo Hajime at the Nihon Budokan in Tokyo.

Kagami Biraki refers to the traditional Japanese ceremony, on Japan’s Coming of Age Day, in which a pair of decorated rice cakes are ritually broken into smaller pieces and eaten bringing health and good fortune for the New Year. Budo Hajime refers to the first demonstration of Japanese martial arts prior to the first joint practice of the year. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat enjoyed the regal annual display at one of Japan’s most noted arenas. While at the event, he had the pleasure of meeting with H.E. Mr. Masahiko Komura, Chairman of the Kagami Biraki Committee and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan who he congratulated on the success and pageantry of this festive occasion as well as wished him and the great friendly people of the noble nation of Japan a healthy, happy, prosperous, and peace filled 2019. In return, H.E. Mr. Komura thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and extended the same wishes, especially a great and lasting peace, for the people and Government of Afghanistan. Also at the event were several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, diplomats with missions in Japan, government officials, members of the business sector, and other distinguished guests all present for the dynamic festivities.

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2019.11.01 Attendance at the Minato City’s New Year Celebration and Friendship Promotion Reception

Attendance at the Minato City’s New Year Celebration and Friendship Promotion Reception.

January 11, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the Minato City’s New Year Celebration and Friendship Promotion Reception hosted by the Hon. Mr. Masaaki Takei, Mayor of Minato City, at the Tokyo Prince Hotel. Also in attendance was Mr. Abdul Hameed Hashimi, Third Secretary for the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo.

Minato City is the home of over 80 Embassies and Consulates, including the Embassy of Afghanistan, and plays a large role in promoting international friendship among its residents. As such this annual event to kick-off the new year is well attended as was the case this year with over 2000 guests. While at the reception, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with Hon. Mayor Mr. Takei whom he thanked for the invitation to the event and, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, expressed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year filled with further warm and friendly relations between Japan and Afghanistan. In return, Hon. Mayor Mr. Takei thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance, his thoughtful words, and added that Minato City is grateful for the good cooperation with the Embassy as well as its participation in Minato City’s many international festival and events. He added that he also wished for further strengthening of the friendship between Afghanistan and Japan, and looked forward to the upcoming collaborative events they would be working together on to bring Afghan culture to the Japanese people and international residents of Minato City.

H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the pleasure of meeting with several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, diplomats with missions in Japan, members of government, business leaders, and other distinguished guests all present for the auspicious occasion.

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2019.10.01 Attendance at the Farewell Dinner for H.E. Ambassador of Azerbaijan

Attendance at the Farewell Dinner for H.E. Ambassador of Azerbaijan.

January 10, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the farewell dinner in honor of H.E. Mr. Gursel Qudrat oglu Ismayilzada, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Japan, hosted by H.E. Dr. Hasan Murat Mercan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, at the Embassy of Turkey in Tokyo.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat thanked the host of the event, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hasan Murat Mercan of Turkey for the invitation to this auspicious occasion to bid farewell to their friend and colleague, as well as for the long friendship and support the people and Government of Turkey has shown to Afghanistan. In return, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mercan thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance, his kind words, and assured him that Turkey would continue to help Afghanistan secure peace in an Afghan-own and Afghan-led process.

On behalf of the people and Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat greeted the guest of honor, H.E. Mr. Gursel Qudrat oglu Ismayilzada, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, congratulated him on the completion of his successful mission and wished him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Further, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat expressed his sincerest thanks to the people and Government of Azerbaijan for their benevolent assistance to Afghanistan over the years on its road to securing peace. H.E. Dr. Mohabbat extended even further thanks and gratitude for the recently opened Lapis Lazuli Trade Route which passes through Azerbaijan and wished for successful and mutual benefit from this endeavor. In return, H.E. Mr. Ismayilzada thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his attendance and kind words, and wished for the continuation of profound relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. Additionally, he stated that Azerbaijan would continue to support and cooperate with Afghanistan as it progresses and leads itself towards peace. While at the event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat also had the honor of meeting and speaking with others of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors all present in honor of the occasion.

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2019.08.01 Meeting with H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Assistant Minister & Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau; as well as Special Representative to Afghanistan, at MOFA Japan Headquarters

Meeting with H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Assistant Minister & Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau; as well as Special Representative to Afghanistan, at MOFA Japan Headquarters.

January 8, 2019: His Excellency Dr. Bashir Mohabbat had the pleasure in meeting for the first time in the new year with H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Oka, Assistant Minister & Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau; as well as Special Representative to Afghanistan, at MOFA headquarters in Kasumigaseki. Also in attendance was Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard, First Secretary for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan.

H.E. Director-General Mr. Oka welcomed H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat, thanked him for making the time to meet once again, and expressed his sincerest appreciation for the continuous and deep friendship between Afghanistan and Japan. In return, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat thanked H.E. Mr. Oka for meeting once again and his kind words. Furthermore, on behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat expressed a happy New Year 2019 wishing for wellness and prosperity for the noble nation of Japan and the friendly Japanese people, as well as for profound strengthening of the robust relations between Afghanistan and Japan as they work together, along with all the nations of the world, for continued progress in peace across the globe and particularly for Afghanistan. Additionally he remarked that recently there have been many advances in the realm of peace talks for Afghanistan in an Afghan-owned Afghan-led process, which Afghans have been so desperately seeking for many years, and that the factors which have enabled them to unfold and come to fruition has been thanks in part to the ground laying contributions and assistance from the international community, most notable from their strong friend and ally, Japan.

H.E. Mr. Oka thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his words and wishes and in kind expressed his earnest wishes for a most successful 2019 for the Afghan people and Government as it continues development, advancing democracy, human capacity building, economic strengthening and the Afghan-owned & Afghan-led striving for peace that it is vital for the future prosperity of Afghanistan. Further, H.E. Mr. Oka assured H.E. Dr. Mohabbat that Japan would continue to stand with Afghanistan well into the future, seeing to it the acquiring of economic strength, significantly improved quality of life for the Afghan people, and peace for the region. All of those present further discussed foundational ways for advancing the peace process recently discussed such as those at conferences like the Geneva Conference on Afghanistan held in November of 2018.

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2019. 07.01 Attendance at Joint New Year’s Party Hosted by The Japan and Tokyo Chambers for Commerce and Industry, Keidanren, and Keizai Doyukai

Attendance at Joint New Year’s Party Hosted by The Japan and Tokyo Chambers for Commerce and Industry, Keidanren, and Keizai Doyukai.

January 7, 2019: It was a pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the New Year Reception gala jointly hosted by The Japan and Tokyo Chambers for Commerce and Industry, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Opening remarks were given by H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. While at the annual reception attended by thousands of guests, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai to whom he expressed thanks for the invitation to this most favorable event. On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat extended him sincerest thanks for the long support and unwavering assistance of the people and Government of its true friend, the noble nation of Japan. Moreover, he encouraged Chairman Kobayashi to use his considerable influence among the members of his organization to boost further investment in Afghanistan’s burgeoning economy, business sectors, and trade market in order to help further prosperity and growth as well as to strike well at the very receptive Afghan market. In return, Chairman Kobayashi thanked H.E. Dr. Mohabbat for his kind words and attendance, as well as assured him that he would fairly consider the mutually beneficial advantages of encouraging further investment in Afghanistan.

Additionally, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting with high-ranking government officials, politicians, parliamentarians, Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, diplomats with missions in Japan, officials from the global economic sector, and the foremost leaders of Japan’s largest international corporations, all of whom were present in honor of the propitious occasion.

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2019.01.01 Attendance at the Imperial Palace for His Majesty the Emperor’s New Year’s Greeting.

Attendance at the Imperial Palace for His Majesty the Emperor’s New Year’s Greeting.

January 1, 2019: It was a distinct honor and pleasure for H.E. Ambassador Dr. Bashir Mohabbat to attend the New Year’s Greetings Ceremony by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. As later this year The Emperor will be abdicating the Chrysanthemum Throne, this was the last occasion for his presiding over the event and was yet another honored opportunity for that H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mohabbat to be in the presence His Majesty the Emperor, following H.M.'s birthday in December. While at the most noble event, H.E. Dr. Mohabbat had the pleasure of meeting again with several of Their Excellencies the Ambassadors to, and Heads of Missions in Japan to whom he extended warm greetings and wishes for a peace filled and prosperous new year.

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