Japan pledges $10m for poppy alternatives, addiction treatment

KABUL (Pajhwok): Japan has pledged $10 million to support Afghanistan's efforts in providing alternatives to poppy cultivation and treating addiction.

Takeyoshi Kuramaya, Japan’s ambassador in Kabul, met Acting Minister of Information and Culture Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa.

According to a ministry statement, Kuramaya praised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's (IEA) success in combating narcotics, corruption, and ensuring security.

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to funding alternative livelihoods and addiction treatment with the $10 million pledge.

Kuramaya also highlighted an additional $300,000 contribution from Japan to the national museum for protecting cultural heritage and monuments, which will be managed by UNESCO.

Acting Minister Khairkhwa welcomed the assistance, noting that the current system controls the entire country’s geography for the first time in four decades.

He underlined the achievements in ensuring security, narcotics eradication, and anti-corruption efforts under the caretaker government.

sa