May 04, 2008

President Hamid Karzai met Sunday in the Palace in Kabul with Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura. Issues of discussion between the two sides included Japan’s continued assistance to Afghanistan, the situation in Afghanistan and the region.

Minister Komura conveyed the warm regards of the government and people of Japan to President Karzai and said he was happy to visit Afghanistan, calling it “beautiful and historical land”.

Mr. Komura lauded the progress Afghans have been making and hoped for a prosperous future for the nation. He added his country would announce a considerable new pledge of assistance to Afghanistan in the coming up Paris Aid Conference to Afghanistan.

President Karzai thanked the government and people of Japan for their continued generous support and assistance to the rebuilding and development of Afghanistan. The President said, “Afghans highly value and will forever remember the support and help Japan has been making in their country.”