Press Releases
Situation in Afghanistan : Ambassador Okada’s Visit to Kabul
May 20, 2022
Mr. OKADA Takashi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, visited Kabul, Afghanistan from May 15 to 19 to hold talks with the Taliban and other counterparts, and to make observations of the situation on the ground.
- Ambassador Okada held talks with senior members of the Taliban, including Mr. Amir Khan Muttaqi and Mr. Abdul Kabir, and explained Japan’s humanitarian assistance through international organizations, and urged them to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and local staff and realize quick and safe passage of those who wish to leave the country. Ambassador Okada also expressed his deep concerns on recent restrictions on girl’s access to education and women’s appearance in public, and emphasized that in order for the Taliban to engage with the international community, it is essential to respect rights of all Afghan people including women and minorities, to build an inclusive political system, and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed for terrorism, and urged them to improve the situation.
- In response, the Taliban side expressed their gratitude for the assistance from Japan, and explained their stance that the Taliban will continue to address requirements from the international community, including the issue of girls’ secondary education.
- Furthermore, Ambassador Okada exchanged the views with Mr. Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan, officials of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and organizations that support women in Afghanistan.
- Japan will continue to make its utmost efforts to secure the safety of Japanese nationals and local staff and provide necessary support for their departure, provide support for the people in Afghanistan, and continue our engagement with the Taliban in order to contribute to the stabilization of Afghanistan.