Joint Press Release by the Leaders of Japan and Afghanistan

President Karzai explained the outcomes achieved by Afghanistan in various areas as well as his future plans with regard to security, peace and reintegration, good governance, economic development and regional cooperation. Prime Minister Kan expressed his appreciation and support for Afghanistan's efforts, under the initiative of President Karzai, particularly his initiative to hold the Kabul International Conference on July 20th, and urged the steady implementation of such efforts. The two leaders emphasized the importance of successful outcomes of the Conference.

President Karzai stressed that, for stability and peace in Afghanistan, it is important to realize the reintegration of those who renounce violence and join the peace process as an important component of sustainable political reconciliation. President Karzai also shared the latest developments made with regard to the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program following up upon the recent National Consultative Peace Jirga. Prime Minister Kan expressed his appreciation for convening the Jirga as an important step forward toward the reconciliation, in light of the importance of a political resolution seeking stability and reconstruction in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Kan, recognizing the importance of reintegration for the recovery of security and development in rural areas, expressed Japan's readiness to actively support the implementation of the reintegration program, utilizing its achievements and experience as the leading country of DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) and DIAG (Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups).

President Karzai reiterated his appreciation for Japan's assistance to Afghanistan's stability and reconstruction over the last nine years, in the key areas of political process, security (DDR, DIAG, supporting the National Police, etc.), as well as reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. President Karzai also expressed his deep appreciation for Japan's announcement of the new assistance package up to an amount in the region of five billion US dollars in about five years from 2009, based on the future situation of Afghanistan, as evidence of its long-term commitment to support Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. President Karzai also welcomed Japan's recent decision to grant an amount of up to 1.5 billion yen for humanitarian assistance projects through Japanese NGOs.

On the occasion of the visit of President Karzai to Japan, officials of the two governments held consultations on utilizing Japan's assistance package in support of strengthening Afghanistan's capability to maintain security, the reintegration fund upon its establishment, the stabilization of communities and job-creation efforts in both urban and rural areas. The leaders discussed future cooperation in infrastructure development projects, such as agriculture including water management, transportation, energy, and the Kabul Metropolitan Area Development project. The two sides also decided to convene the 6th Policy Dialogue Meeting on economic cooperation next July for the effective implementation of Japan's assistance while securing the safety of aid workers.

Prime Minister Kan expressed that Japan will continue to extend assistance aligned with Afghan priorities, including the channeling of development aid through the Government of Afghanistan. In this context, President Karzai, referring to recent prioritization of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy(ANDS), shared the Afghan government's efforts to make further progress towards strengthened anti-corruption activities as well as improved accountability, financial management, and implementation and oversight capacity of relevant Afghan ministries and institutions in order to increase the national ownership of and responsibility for reconstruction and development. Prime Minister Kan requested firm efforts, including those for good governance, in order to have tax of Japanese nationals effectively utilized.
The two leaders confirmed the importance of regional cooperation between Afghanistan and neighboring countries, particularly through the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA) for the economic development of Afghanistan and the region.

The two leaders recalled the long-standing history of relations and exchanges between the two countries as reflected in the treasures of Shoso-In treasure house in Nara, as well as cultural and economic cooperation. They also expressed their appreciation for the outcomes of the preservation and restoration project in Bamiyan until now, and confirmed the importance of further promotion of cooperation in the area of preservation of cultural heritages. In addition, the two leaders welcomed the continued commitment of the Japanese government to providing scholarships in various fields, particularly agriculture and engineering, as well as study visits and training courses, particularly for high school teachers. Additionally, the leaders expressed their expectations that human exchange in the fields of culture and education, and bilateral relations in trade and investment would be further developed.

The two leaders decided to continuously hold consultations between the two countries, including at ministerial level, in order to support Afghanistan in tackling various challenges and to pursue the expansion of future bilateral relations. In connection to this, they decided to establish the "Japan-Afghanistan Policy Consultation" between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs as a framework for senior-official level discussion.