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Statement by Mr. Kenichiro SASAE
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
at the Meeting on Afghanistan
April 3, 2008
On behalf of Prime Minister Fukuda and the Japanese government, I wish to state some of Japanese perspectives on this important agenda of Afghan reconstruction.
It is indeed from the very early stage that Japan has been supporting international efforts for the reconstruction of Afghanistan We hosted the Tokyo Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan in 2002, and our assistance, in such areas as the political process, reconstruction and security, amounts to 1.4 billion dollars today. The Government of Japan, therefore, is most grateful for the invitation to this important meeting.
I arrived here last night from Kabul. I saw in Afghanistan positive developments created through the dedicated work by ISAF and strenuous efforts undertaken by President Karzai and his government, supported by UN and international society at large. I found that the spirit was high. On the other hand, we all know that terrorists are continuing asymmetric attacks and vast needs for reconstruction remain to be met. An enormous challenge still lies before us, and in facing this challenge, we are aware that neither security nor development can be achieved without the other.
In order to improve the security, Japan has been making a contribution in its own way. Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels are deployed in the Indian Ocean in support of the activities interdict and deter the movements of terrorists. We are also supporting the efforts to stabilize the border areas in cooperation with the UN, in addition to our assistance for border management and police reform. Through the NATO PfP Trust Fund, Japan is now supporting the capacity building of Afghan National Army for a secure control of surplus ammunition. Japan led the successful completion of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of former combatants (DDR), and is now actively engaged in Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG).
We have also started to provide grass-roots assistances in cooperation with NATO PRTs. Currently, 19 projects are being implemented in such areas as health care, education and vocational training. We will accelerate such cooperation with NATO PRTs through our Liaison Officer assigned to the Office of NATO Senior Civilian Representative.
However, much more needs to be done in this area. In order to strengthen the capacity of the Afghan National Police (ANP), Japan will expand the training program in Japan for Afghan police officers, and is ready to provide additional equipments for ANP.
It is obvious that a comprehensive approach across security and development needs to be translated into more visible action on the ground, and we need to see more of cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a focused and coordinated support to Pakistan. As the Presidency of G8, Japan will address and help achieve these priority goals.
As Afghanistan awaits future presidential and general elections, we are at a critical juncture for realizing the hope of the Afghan people: to build a stable, democratic and prosperous nation. All of us to strengthen our unified support to Afghan people and President Karzai. It is also in this context that we welcome the ISAF's Strategic Vision this time.
On behalf of the Government of Japan, I assure you of our strong will to be an important part of such a common endeavor.
Thank you very much.
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