Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Office of the President

President Karzai Receives Japanese Delegation

On September 4, President Karzai received a Japanese delegation led by Kenshiro Matsunami, head of the Japanese Diet’s Japan-Afghan Friendship League.

Matsunami thanked President Karzai for his recent visit to Japan and said, “It is very important for Japan to continue assisting Afghanistan. We will continue our assistance in the areas of economic development, education, Afghan repatriation, and implementation of the DIAG program.”

“Japan is also interested in purchasing Afghanistan’s products such as carpets, dry fruits, and handicrafts in order to boost the country’s economy,” he added.

President Karzai thanked Japan for its assistance to the people of Afghanistan and noted that the country had also been generous during Afghanistan’s resistance to the Soviet Union. Matsunami indicated that Afghan-Japanese relations date back over 100 years.

“Afghanistan still has a long road ahead of it and we hope Japan continues its assistance to Afghanistan until we stand on our own feet,” the President said.

During their visit, the delegation also visited the Afghan parliament. Matsunami noted that the progress of democracy in Afghanistan is impressive and on the right path.