Press Releases

On November 20, commencing at around 4:35 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Mohammad Haneef ATMAR, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The overview is as follows.

1. The two ministers exchanged their views on the ongoing Afghanistan peace negotiations, and Minister Motegi welcomed the start of the negotiations in September, expressing his strong hope for the progress of the negotiations.
2. Minister Motegi strongly condemned a series of recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. Minister Motegi also requested thorough investigation on the case of murder of Dr. NAKAMURA Tetsu, recalling that almost one year has passed since his death, and renewed his request for the Afghan Government's cooperation to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals. In response, Acting Minister Atmar stated that the Afghan Government will continue the ongoing investigation with their full efforts on Dr. Nakamura's case, and exert utmost efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.
3. The two ministers also discussed the upcoming Ministerial Geneva Conference on Afghanistan to be held on November 24. Minister Motegi stated that Japan will continue to cooperate for peace and stability in Afghanistan. In response, Acting Minister Atmar expressed his deep appreciation, on behalf of the government and people of Afghanistan, for the various assistance from Japan in the past years. Acting Minister Atmar also highly appriciated the role that late Madamme OGATA Sadako had played in assisting Afghanistan..
4. The two ministers shared the view to keep close cooperation including strengthening the friendly relations of the two countries.