Japan pledges $19.5m in aid to Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Japan’s Ambassador to Kabul has announced that his country has approved $19.5 million in assistance for Afghanistan, to be allocated to refugee support and other humanitarian programmes.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) stated on X that Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir met with Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador, Masamoto Kenichi, in Kabul.

Kenichi stated that since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Tokyo has provided $550 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan through United Nations agencies.

This support has covered areas such as humanitarian relief, refugee assistance, alternative livelihoods, healthcare, water supply, women’s empowerment, and other sectors.

He also praised the IEA’s achievements in combating narcotics, reducing administrative corruption, and enhancing overall security and emphasised that Japan would continue its cooperation with Afghanistan.

The ambassador underscored that Japan respects Afghan values and does not interfere in the country’s internal affairs.

Masamoto noted that the Japanese government has approved a new $19.5 million aid package, specifically targeting refugee support and other humanitarian initiatives.

Meanwhile, Mawlawi Kabir highlighted that Afghanistan has been severely affected by climate change and the consequences of foreign occupations, calling on the international community to support vulnerable Afghans and contribute to development efforts.

He pointed out that millions of Afghans have returned to the country during the IEA’s rule and remain in need of sustained assistance.

The minister also urged the international community, including Japan, to implement public-benefit projects aimed at creating employment opportunities for returnees.

hz/sa