2017.14.03 First secretary of political affairs Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard at Mr. Hiroyuki Moriyama’s private party

First secretary of political affairs Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard at Mr. Hiroyuki Moriyama’s private party

March 14 2017. First secretary of political affairs Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard attended Mr. Hiroyuki Moriyama’s private party held at Seiryo Kaikan hall in Chiyoda-ku Tokyo.

Mr. Hamdard met with many parliament members and diplomats including the leader of The Democratic Party Murata Renhō and discussed topics of mutual interest.

At the party, Mr. Hamdard gave a speech thanking Japan and the Japanese government as well as Mr. Moriyama himself for helping Afghanistan with its reconstruction over the years and for being the second biggest donor to Afghanistan. He also highlighted Moriyama's and the Democratic Party’s (DP) accomplishment during their time in office and his positive experiences in Osaka. Mr. Hamdard ended his speech saying he hoped the friendship between the two countries would be a long and prosperous one.

Later, he also met with Dr. Taikan Oki from The University of Tokyo were Mr. Hamdard explained about the situation and achievements in Afghanistan during the past 15 years and thanked them for the aid and assistance they have been receiving from the noble people of the government of Japan. However, there is still progress to be made concerning the growing threat of extremism and terrorism, particularly in some of the neighboring countries’ that are still supporting these movements. This is a problem that needs to be addressed to ensure the peace of the region and the rest of the world.

Finally, Mr. Hamdard had an exchange with the host of the party Mr. Hiroyuki Moriyama and Mr. Hideki Kan and wished him good luck.

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2017.14.03 Visit by Mr. Naoki Sakai Senior Climate Change Specialist of Energy Division South Asia Department from the Asian Development Bank at the embassy.

Visit by Mr. Naoki Sakai Senior Climate Change Specialist of Energy Division South Asia Department from the Asian Development Bank at the embassy.

March 14 2017: On March 14th Mr. Naoki Sakai Senior Climate Change Specialist of Energy Division South Asia Department from the Asian Development Bank visited Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo. The meeting was set up by First Secretary of Political Affairs Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard during his attendance at the Deployment of Innovative Energy Technologies and Solutions Workshop and Field Visit in Tokyo.

Mr. Sakai had a brief meeting with his Excellency Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie and Mr. Hamdard. Where the Ambassador urged close corporations with Afghanistan and Japanese private sector on development projects through direct and indirect investments (with Afghanistan, private sector and other countries).

After the meeting with the Ambassador and the diplomats, Mr. Naoki met with Mr. Hamdard to discuss in detail about energy projects in Afghanistan. Mr. Hamdard shared energy plans the embassy had received directly from Mr. Amanullah Ghalib Deputy Minister of Energy in Afghanistan. The plans outlines different hydro, wind, solar and thermal generation projects in different province all across the country. The plans shows projects that have been completed and has yet to be developed.

Mr. Sakai also explained about Japanese companies operating in India, which are producing transmission lines and substations. This technology could potentially be transferred to Afghanistan from India. Mr. Hamdard further encouraged Mr. Sakai to push for bilateral projects for energy and development of the private sector in Japan. Mr. Sakai will be back at the embassy on 11 April for further discussion on these projects.

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2017.12.03 Mr. Hamdard Attends the Democratic Party’s Annual Party Convention 2017

Mr. Hamdard Attends the Democratic Party’s Annual Party Convention 2017

March 12 2017: First Secretary & Political affairs Mr. Basir Ahmad Hamdard attended the Democratic Party’s Annual Party Convention 2017 that was held at Prince Park Tower Hotel at Shibakoen in Minato-Ku.The convention started with Opening greetings from Convention Organizing Committee Secretary- General Sakamoto. Followed by a welcome address by Convention Organizing Committee Chair Hiroyuki Nagahama

The Democratic Party invited different guest speakers to speak at the convention. Mr. Rikio Kozu, President of Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC- RENGO), gave the first speech. The Second guest speaker was Professor Eisaku Ide from the Economic Department at Keio University addressing Japanese economic challenges. Ms. Yumiko Watanabe, Chairperson for NPO Kids Door discussed about the negative birthrates and the difficulties Japanese households were facing today. Finally, Her Excellency Ms. Anne Barrington Ambassador of Republic of Ireland was addressing issues related to gender inequality and political empowerment of women in Japan. After the guest speakers, President Renhō of the Democratic Party gave an address, followed by Mr. Secretary- General Yoshihiko Noda

After The Convention presentation, Mr. Hamdard met with DP members from the House of Representatives, Seiji Maehara, Yukihisa Fujita, Junya Ogawa, Yuichiro Tamaki, Satoru Iyama and from the House of Councilors Sachiko Hirayama, Hiroe Makiyama, Kusuo Ooshima and discussed topics of mutual interest.

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2017.11.03 Mr. Agah Presents Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan medal to Madam Michiko Hirayama.

Mr. Agah Presents Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan medal to Madam Michiko Hirayama.

March 11, 2017: Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary and Cultural Affairs Officer of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Japan, attended a symposium held at the Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum. Mr. Agah had the honor of presenting the prestigious Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan medal to Madam Michiko Hirayama, wife of the late honorable Professor Ikuo Hirayama, who was the Director of Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum. The medal was awarded by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to H.E. Mr. Mitsuji Suzuka, the Ambassador of Japan, who received the medal on behalf of Professor Hirayama on February 16 of 2017 for the recognition of his dedication to protect Afghanistan’s cultural heritages.

On the symposium, Mr. Asif Agah, on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie, the Embassy, as well as the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, presented the medal to Madam Hirayama and expressed their most sincere and heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Madam Hirayama. The medal was presented for all of the great efforts Professor Hirayama had achieved in helping to gather and return 102 Afghanistan cultural treasures back to their original place. He added that great individuals like Honorable Professor Hirayama, and the Government of Japan, have also added their tireless support in helping Afghanistan’s cultural heritage restoration. Without a doubt, his being awarded the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan Medal is above and beyond well-deserved as this is one of the highest medals awarded to civilian services that work towards improving the Afghan culture.

Professors from Tokyo University of Art and Dr. Masanori Nagaoka, Head of Culture Unit of UNESCO Afghanistan have also attended the symposium and they exchanged views on the importance of Bamiyan in the context of the Silk Road cultural heritage.

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2017.11.03 Commemoration of the Sixth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Commemoration of the Sixth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

March 11, 2017: It was with a solemn heart and much reverence that H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sayed Mohammad Amin Fatimie was present at the National Theatre, Tokyo to attend the ‘Memorial Ceremony to Mark the Sixth Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake’ – the most powerful recorded earthquake in Japanese history and the subsequent tsunamis which devastated the country in 2011. On behalf of the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie participated in the ceremony to pay respects and express condolence for the tragic disaster in which the noble country of Japan, long time friend to Afghanistan, suffered so greatly and in which many precious, innocent lives were lost.

The event was attended by all high ranking officials of the Japanese Government and Ministries, by all Ambassadors and Heads of Mission from countries with missions in Japan, and by all Regions and International Organizations who wanted to reflect on the horrific tragedies of six years ago. Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino presided over the event on behalf of the Imperial Family of Japan. Openings remarks were given by H.E. Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Vice-Chairmen of the Ceremony and Chief Cabinet Secretary, after which the Japanese National Anthem was played and a silent prayer offered at 14:46, the time when the quakes originally struck. Chairman of the Ceremony, H.E. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave his address which was followed by that of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino. Memorial Addresses were given by H.E. Mr. Tadamori Oshima, Speaker of the House of Representatives; H.E. Mr. Chuichi Date, President of the House of Councillors; and H.E. Mr. Itsuro Terada, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Then speeches were given on behalf of the victims by Mr. Yo Chiba, Representative of the Victims of Iwate Prefecture; Mr. Masayoshi Sato, Representative of the Victims of Miyagi Prefecture; and Mr. Yoshinobu Ishii, Representative of the Victims of Fukushima Prefecture. After the above speeches, T.I.H. Prince and Princess Akishino left, flowers were offered, and closing remarks were given by H.E. Mr. Kazuhiro Sugita, Member of the Committee of the Ceremony and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Six years ago, when the tragedies struck it was a very difficult time for the people, Government, and residents of Japan. Although many people fled Tokyo in fear, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie, all diplomats, local staff, and their supportive families made the decision to stay in Tokyo, continue on, and offer help to their long time friend Japan in its greatest hour of need. As Afghanistan knows all too well the after effects of tragedy, they felt morally obligated and driven to stand in solidarity with Japan and offer assistance. With great care and speed, the embassy contacted local governments in the affected area to ascertain what items they needed most. Substantial funds were raised in Afghanistan by the Afghan Government as well as by the Red Crescent Society, and the mayors of Kabul and Kandahar. Also notably, Afghan school children carried out a campaign to collect money amongst themselves to send to their Japanese counterparts in the affected areas and included drawings by the children of Bamiyan Province, hoping to provide further material and spiritual support. So too H.E. Dr. Fatimie, all diplomats, local staff, and the great Afghan residents of Japan contributed funds and purchased goods to be delivered and used by those most in need.

On May 20, 2011 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and other Embassy staff travelled to Tsukuba City and Ibaraki Prefectural Government to present them with items and funds collected, as Ibaraki was in great need as host to many evacuees. There they also went to peoples’ homes to meet with families and to distribute necessities to the needy.

On June 8, 2011 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie along with a delegation of Afghan residents of Japan travelled to meet with Hon. Governor Sato of Fukushima, Hon. Deputy Mayor Katahira of Fukushima City, to deliver funds, goods, and the drawings by the Bamiyan children.

On March 16, 2012 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and Dr. Bashir Mohabbat visited Iwate Prefecture to meet with Hon. Governor Tasso, Hon. Mayor Tanifuji of Morioka. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie presented the Hon. Mayor with a letter of condolence and support, as well as a token of Afghanistan’s friendship with the city. (To view Original Story, please click here: )

On May 24, 2012 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie and delegation visited Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture to meet with Hon. Vice-Governor Wako, Hon. Mayor Okuyama, Hon. Vice Mayor Ito. (To view Original Story, please click here: )

The significant bond between Japan and Afghanistan is an important and treasured relationship. As H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie said in somber reflection of the devastating events of March 11, 2011, “the people and Government of Afghanistan were with, are with, and will be with the people of the great and noble nation of Japan during natural disasters or any difficult times of grief and sorrow… your pain is our pain.” The loss of life and livelihood for so many in Eastern Japan affected the whole nation. The Government of Japan has worked very hard to help recover from the tragedy and there is still work ongoing. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie offered his thoughts and prayers that one day they will again recover and that a tragedy such as this may never occur.

To view the original activities’ articles, please click here:

Look at the Photo Albums From Afghan-Japan Relations of 2011 regarding the Great East Japan Earthquake Here

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2017.10.03 Attendance at the Tokyo Metropolitan Peace Day.

Attendance at the Tokyo Metropolitan Peace Day.

March 10, 2017: Applicable to both Afghanistan and Japan, the Tokyo Metropolitan Peace Day is an annual memorial ceremony which seeks to increase public awareness of the need for peace and to reflect on the suffering caused by war. His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie took the honor to join this great opportunity to represent Afghanistan, which pushed the promotions for peace and kindly demanded all governments around the world to take in hand to strive and prosper the achievement that can be born from the peace.

Specifically, connecting with the government leaders of Japan, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had a delighted time to have met and spoke with the Governor of Tokyo H.E. Ms. Yuriko Koike, the President of the Metropolitan Assembly of Tokyo The Honorable Mr. Kawai Shigeo, Representative of the victims of the bombing of Tokyo Excellencies Mr. Mimura Eiichi, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Nicaragua H. E. Mr. Saul Arana Castellon and many other esteemed political figures.

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2017.09.03 H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie hosts a Memorial Luncheon and Prayer Gathering Honoring Marshall Fahim.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie hosts a Memorial Luncheon and Prayer Gathering Honoring Marshall Fahim.

March 9 2017: It was a pleasure for His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie in hosting a luncheon reception and prayer gathering in honor of Marshall Mohammad Qasim Fahim at the embassy in Tokyo. It was attended by several dignitaries, special guests, and Afghan citizens in Japan.

Marshall Mohammad Qasim Fahim was Afganistan’s first vice president. He was a polarizing leader whose political and military career spanned the anti-Soviet war and the American invasion. He was also a close ally and protégé of Commander Ahmad Shah Masood, and succeeded as the new defence minister of the United Islamic Front (Northern Alliance) following Masood’s assassination.

The Opening address was given by Mr. Asif Agah, Second Secretary of the Embassy, who welcomed all in attendance. In his opening remark, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie extended his welcome and discussed the significance of the occasion. A couple of the special guests also spoke and offered up prayers. After all had spoken, H.E. Dr Fatimie invited the guests to partake in the Afghan dishes prepared by the Embassy which were served for all to enjoy.

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