‘Historic ties’ – Afghan minister hails Japan as envoy vows continued humanitarian support

Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, Haji Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, has praised Japan for its humanitarian and development assistance over the past two years, calling relations between Kabul and Tokyo “historic”.

Hanif made the remarks during a farewell meeting on Wednesday with Japanese Ambassador Takayoshi Kuramaya in Kabul. The minister stressed that both sides should expand cooperation in economic and humanitarian fields.

“We value Japan’s contributions to Afghanistan, especially in humanitarian aid and development programmes,” Hanif said, according to the Ministry of Economy. “These relations are historic, and we look forward to strengthening them further.”

Ambassador Kuramaya, whose diplomatic mission in Afghanistan is ending, highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Afghan government in improving security, fighting narcotics, curbing smuggling, and reducing administrative corruption.

“Japan will continue supporting the Afghan people through development and humanitarian assistance,” Kuramaya said, adding that urgent relief for earthquake victims in eastern provinces will soon be delivered via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and handed to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

That assistance, including tents, blankets, and other emergency supplies, comes as thousands of families in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces remain displaced. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that more than 23 million Afghans face acute food insecurity, while recent earthquakes have worsened humanitarian needs.

Shafi Azam, a senior official from the Afghan foreign ministry told AnewZ that Japan’s continued engagement is significant. “Afghanistan needs not just aid but sustained investment in infrastructure and livelihoods, and Japan has been a consistent partner,” he said.

The Ministry of Economy concluded the meeting by thanking Japan for its pledge of further assistance.

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