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Following the passing of H.E. First Vice-President Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, H.E. President Hamid Karzai and many other individuals and organizations expressed deepest condolences. The loss of this man who loved and served his na-tion resulted in great sadness. Three days of national mourning followed. In his message, H.E. President Karzai lauded H.E. the First Vice-President’s patriotism and service to the people. H.E. the President further expressed sincere sympathies to “his family and the Afghan people.” Ambassador Dr. Fatimie also praised the work of this great man and shared deepest condolences.

Inside this issue:

Latest News

H.E. Mr. Qanuni appointed

First Vice-President

On Tuesday H.E. Mr. Younus Qanuni was appointed First Vice-President after receiving the vote of confidence of the Parliament. H.E. First Vice-President Qanuni, a former House Speaker, con-tinues in the noble work of H.E. the late First Vice-President Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim. H.E. First Vice-President Qanuni ex-pressed dedication towards smooth elec-tions on April 5th. (Photograph follows on the next page)

(Continued on page 2)

H.E. President Karzai expresses condolences on the

passing of H.E. First Vice-President Fahim

As April marks the start of the school year in

Japan, which coincides closely with the start of the school year in Af-ghanistan based on

Nowruz, Afghan New Year, we wish all stu-

dents success.

This year 1.7 million more children will

begin primary education in Afghanistan bringing the total enrolled to 11.5

million, 41% girls.

Many are also attending higher education

through universities and vocational schools.

As Ambassador

Dr. Fatimie points out, a nation’s young

people are its future leaders.

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News 1-5

Ambassador’s message

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Afghan News, November 1010

On March 11th, Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie attended the Japanese government-held ceremony at the National Theatre in Tokyo to mark the 3rd anniver-

sary of the Great East Japan Earth-quake and the subsequent tsunami and related tragedies. Around 1,200 people were in atten-dance, prominently including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, H.E. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Their Excellencies the heads of the legislative, administrative and judi-cial branches of the Japanese govern-ment, and Their Excellencies the Am-bassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community in Tokyo. One minute of silence was observed at 2:46 p.m., the time the earthquake struck in 2011, and prayers were of-fered for those who were lost. H.M. the Emperor spoke, describing the importance of collective support to help those affected. H.E. Prime Minister Abe also spoke, saying the

(Continued on page 3)

Ambassador Fatimie attends cere-

mony on 3rd anniversary of the

Great East Japan Earthquake and

subsequent tragedies

Newsletter, March 2014Newsletter, March 2014

Message from the AmbassadorMessage from the Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie

Dear friends, This month we were deeply saddened over the passing of H.E. First Vice-President Marshal Mohammed Qasim Fahim. H.E. was one of Afghanistan’s foremost champions of liberty. His devotion to our people was crucial in bringing freedom and stability. He was an ardent pursuer of peace and cooperation. It is certain that H.E. would be proud to see the legacy of democracy which he helped to ensure continue with in our presidential and provincial shura elections to be held on April 5th. This month, alongside our Japanese friends, we also mourned those lost three years ago due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tragedies. In the years since, we

have watched Japan rise to the occasion, rebuilding the homes and lives of the victims. We continue to support Tohoku, and admire the courage of the people of this noble region. During this month, we welcome in the Afghan New Year, known as Nowruz. In Afghanistan, the New Year is a time for gathering together families and is observed with many traditions, such as kite flying. On March 1st, we held a kite festival together with friends. The shared culture of kite flying did well to further strengthen the links between our peoples for the 200 some atten-dees. This year, as always, we hope to continue exploring our shared values and building lasting ties with you, the great people of Japan and the international community here.

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Newsletter, March 2014Newsletter, March 2014

Ambassador Fatimie offers re-

marks at Afghan Kite Festival

On March 1st, Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie spoke to participants of the Afghan Kite Festival in Tokyo. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mrs. Matsunami, and Nittai Ebara Koto High School, with the sup-port of sponsors such as Canon, Aoba Trading, and Jonan Shinyo Kinko. In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed, on behalf of the people and Government of the Is-lamic Republic of Afghanistan, deepest gratitude to all who made the event possible and to those who attended the event. Furthermore, the Ambassador spoke on the sig-nificant impact that the event had on bringing Afghans and Japanese together through this shared culture of kite flying.

In total, around 200 participants joined the event, and millions more were exposed to the event through domestic and international media coverage. Participants were led by Afghan coaches in making kites,

government will speed up rebuilding so that all can return to normal lives as soon as possible. He pledged to make Japan resilient against natural disasters. There were speeches as well from representatives the families from the 3 Iwate, Miyagi and Fuku-shima. On the same day, a message of con-dolence was published by Ambassa-dor Dr. Fatimie in The Japan News, the English language version of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. The message follows. On this day three years ago, a series

of great tragedies unfolded which

brought great sadness to my heart:

the Tohoku Earthquake and the sub-

sequent disasters. On behalf of the

Afghan people, I personally visited

evacuees and both our government

and embassy provided funds and

goods for this region’s courageous

people.

Afghans understand what it is like to

restore shattered lives and my coun-

try greatly appreciates the kind assis-

tance your noble country has pro-

vided us. As our two nations move

forward, we do so together. Our peo-

ple and the inspirational people of

Japan walk united into a brighter

future.

Ambassador Fatimie attends Tokyo

Metropolitan Peace Day memorial

ceremony

Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie on March 10th attended the Tokyo Metropolitan Peace Day me-morial ceremony organized by the

Metropolitan Government of To-kyo. The annual event is organized to “commemorate the victims of war and to heighten public awareness of peace.” Speeches were given by such dignified individuals as Hon. Governor Yoichi Masuzoe.

Ambassador Fatimie, Embassy

host reception to congratulate

graduates from PEACE program

scholarships

On March 7th, Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Tokyo hosted a re-ception to honor and congratulate motivated Afghan graduates of Masters and Doctoral programs in Japan who had been provided scholarships through the Japan In-ternational Cooperation Agency’s (JICA’s) PEACE program. The event featured remarks by Am-bassador Dr. Fatimie and Mr. Haru-yuki Shimada, Advisor to JICA’s South Asia Division 2, as well as presentations by the graduates on their respective research topics. In his speech, the Ambassador com-mended the graduates on their de-termination and spoke of the impor-tance of using their lessons learned to bring benefit to the people of Afghanistan. The Ambassador then, with the cooperation of Mr. Shi-mada, presented certificates to the graduates.

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who depicts the lives of Bami-yan’s women and children in Bamyan. Japan, US, UK pledge further

partnership in infrastructure

Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom (UK) have all announced that they are dedicated to continuing to partner in the fur-ther development of Afghani-stan’s infrastructure in such areas as improving and maintaining key roads, power plants, and other infrastructure. Goals for development include ensuring that 90% of the popula-tion has access to regional and national roads and increase access to electricity to 50% of all house-holds by 2017. H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Takaha-shi was quoted by Bakhtar News Agency as saying, “the Govern-ment of Japan sees infrastructure development as an important pil-lar of its assistance to Afghani-stan, and we hope our contribution … will promote further develop-ment in the country.”

Natural resources becoming

even more accessible

Afghanistan has become the first country to be almost completely

mapped (70%) using hyperspectral imaging data in efforts by the Minis-try of Mines and Petroleum, the Task Force for Business and Stability Op-erations, and the U.S. Geological Sur-vey (USGS). 60 such maps have been released as of mid-March. The data from this research provides a finger-print that identifies Afghanistan’s natural resources. It also has the po-tential to identify water, biological and natural hazard information. According to a 2001 report by the United States Geological Survey, Af-ghanistan is a nation rich in natural resources. The value has been esti-mated to be worth some US$3 tril-lion. For increased ease in moving resources domestically and abroad, there are plans to build a total of 3,600 kilometers of railroads. The process has already begun. Near the Hindu Kush mountains there is a 75-kilometer stretch of railway that has almost been extended as far as Mazar-e-Sharif. Another 336-kilometers of rail is planned to join Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Taji-kistan and will be supported by the Asian Development Bank.

Safi Airways links Herat and

Islamabad

Safi Airways opened a new route be-tween Herat and Islamabad, Pakistan this month with flights every Tues-day.

which were then flown. The event also featured a demonstration of kite fighting, a popular pastime in Af-ghanistan, by Mr. Parwiz Darbar and Mr. Abdul Rauf Logari repre-senting Afghanistan and Mr. Ishi-kuri representing Japan. Beautiful kites of various sizes and designs were also on display by members of the Japan Kite Association. All guests received an Afghan lunch. Speeches were also made by Mrs. Matsunami and Principle Oishi of Nittai Ebara Koto High School.

Achievements of Afghan

women hailed

Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil of Afghanistan was one of 10 international women awarded by the US Secretary of State’s International Woman of Courage Award on March 4, 2014. The honor is bestowed upon “women who have shown excep-tional courage and leadership in ad-vocating for women’s rights and empowerment,” according to Wad-sam News. The award was presented by H.E. Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom. H.E. First Lady Mi-chelle Obama was in attendance. Dr. Nasrin has worked for the pro-motion of maternal health and women’s health in general in her role as Director of the Malalai Ma-ternity Hospital in Kabul since 2004. She is also the president of the Afghan Family Health Association. On International Women’s Day, the German and French Embassies in Kabul together awarded Ms. Amena Hassani and Ms. Sharefa Danesh with the Capable Women of the Year Award. Ms. Danesh is an artist active in writing poetry and fictional works as well as in sculpting and drawing, much of which she does for charity. She says that her works are dedicated to those in need. Amena Hassani is a photographer

Newsletter, March 2014Newsletter, March 2014

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Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo 2-2-1 Azabudai, Minato ward, Tokyo, 106-0041

Tel: 03-5574-7611 / Fax: 03-5574-0195

Website

www.afghanembassyjp.org

Contact Us

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions regarding this newsletter or the Embassy, please send an e-mail to the embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Jason Pratt:

pratt@afghanembassyjp.org

objects as well as to survey the environment and reaction accord-ingly.

1000 to receive IT training

The Ministry of Communication & Information Technology will train over 1000 people in informa-tion technology over the next 16 months with the support of the World Bank, two private universi-ties, and an Indian institute. The students will be from both the government and private sector. Trainees will learn networking management and information se-curity, database management, internet design, and software de-velopment.

Iodized salt factory starts

production

Production started on March 15th on an iodised salt factory, to be located in the industrial park in Kandahar province. The creation of iodized salt factories has been a priority over the years.

Over 10m saplings to be planted in

Bamiyan

More than 10 million fruits-bearing and others saplings are to be planted under the “Green Evolution Pro-gramme” in Bamiyan province

International ski event held in

Bamiyan

An international cross-country skiing competition was held by “Baba Mountains” in Bamiyan in which roughly 20 Afghans and 20 interna-tionals took part. First and third place were won by Bamiyan’s own Ali Shah and Mohammad Sajjad, respec-tively. Second prize was taken by a Swiss national.

Water for irrigation, drinking

reaching more

The Salma Dam (image on previous page) in Herat province has been reconstructed with support from In-dia. The dam will provide irrigation and electricity for thousands. On March 4th, a new canal has be-gun providing irrigation for 1600 hectare of land in the Khanabad dis-trict of Kunduz province. The canal, which was constructed with the sup-port of the United States, will bene-fit some 5,000 farmers. 14 wells were installed in 11 vil-lages in Chaghcharan, Ghor. This has provided roughly 450 families with access to clean drinking water.

Students develop robots capable

of high functions

The advancement of Afghanistan’s technological and education sectors was evidenced further this month. Mohammad Raza Noorzad and Tah-mina Jalal Hashimi of Kabul Poly-technic University have built ad-vanced robots. The robots are able to identify and manipulate distant

Newsletter, March 2014Newsletter, March 2014