Japan-Afghanistan Relations

On May 18, commencing at 8:20 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, held a Japan-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Dr. Salahuddin Rabbani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Minister Kono expressed pleasure at holding a Japan-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for the first time in approximately seven years on the margins of the “Central Asia plus Japan” meeting. Minister Kono stated that Japan supports the efforts by the Government of Afghanistan toward realization of peace in Afghanistan, and that Japan intends to continue to support Afghan efforts toward its peace, self-reliance, and stability in coordination with the international community. In response, Minister Rabbani expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to Afghanistan to the “Central Asia plus Japan” meeting as well as heartfelt gratitude for Japan’s significant supports for Afghanistan up to the present. Furthermore, Minister Rabbani expressed his intention to carry out steady efforts for the presidential election and peace process in Afghanistan.
2. Minister Kono expressed his strong expectations that the Government of Afghanistan engage in reform efforts to combat corruption, hold a presidential election, and improve security situations. In response, Minister Rabbani stated that the Government of Afghanistan views them as vital issues and intends to make earnest efforts. 
3. The two ministers shared the view that they will continue to coordinate closely toward the promotion of their bilateral relations.