Visit to Japan of Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of the Transitional Administration of Afghanistan

February 7, 2003

Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of the Transitional Administration of Afghanistan, will visit Japan from February 20 (Thu) to 23 (Sun) at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
During his stay in Japan, the President will exchange views with leaders of the Government of Japan including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, and attend and deliver a keynote speech at the Tokyo Conference on Consolidation of Peace in Afghanistan that the Government of Japan will host on February 22.
President Karzai has been invited in connection with the first anniversary of the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan (Tokyo Conference) held in January 2002. The invitation signifies Japan's firm intention to continue its assistance for peace and stability in Afghanistan. It is therefore expected to increase the awareness of the international community of the importance of continuing assistance for Afghanistan.

(END)