Japanese Ambassador to Kabul Takashi Okada called on Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The Japanese Ambassador described the security situation in Afghanistan as better than ever before, adding that the approval of the new fiscal year’s budget from domestic revenue reflects Afghanistan’s economic progress. Referring to humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Mr. Takashi Okada said humanitarian aid depicted that the world wants to engage with the Afghan government. In addition to assistance in agriculture, education & other sectors, he highlighted that consultations were underway to take necessary steps for economic growth of Afghanistan, saying that Japan does not link humanitarian, development & other cooperation with Afghans to politics. Minister Muttaqi thanked Japan for its assistance, expressing hope for Japan’s development assistance in completing outstanding projects in Afghanistan & for plans drawn up by late Dr. Nakamura – Japanese citizen who provided invaluable service to the Afghan people. Minister Muttaqi said the new Afghan government has launch narcotics eradication campaign & treatment of addicts hence the world, including Japan, should provide medical, food & other assistance in this area to get more results to make Afghan society & the world a safer place.