Newsletter. H.E. President Ghani Meets With Afghan Japanese University Graduates. October Latest News. Contents

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1 October 2014 Newsletter Contents -Latest News Latest News H.E. President Ghani Meets With Afghan Japanese University Graduates -Ambassador s Message -Ambassador s Activities -Afghanistan s News -Culture Inside this issue Latest News Ambassador s massage Ambassador s activities Afghanistan s News Culture 9 10 His Excellency President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (pictured center) has warmly greeted Afghan graduate students who have just returned home after graduating from universities in Japan. H.E. President Ghani praised the students for their efforts and expressed his deep appreciation for Japan s endeavor towards developing Afghanistan s next generation of professionals. More than 2,000 Afghan students have studied at Japanese universities and 128 more were admitted this September alone. Afghan students specialize in a wide range of fields for their graduate studies in Japan including in the areas of International Relations, Governance, Agriculture, Transportation and Natural Sciences. 1

2 H.E. President Ghani Meets With Members of Civil Society The President of Afghanistan, His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, this month met with representatives of Afghanistan s civil society. At the meeting held at the Presidential Palace, H.E. President Ghani stressed the importance of civil society in Afghanistan and stated that rebuilding a country is impossible without the involvement of civil society. The representatives were warmly thanked for their involvement in the country s recent democratic elections and encouraged them to continue their growing presence in the Afghan media. H.E. President Ghani and the civil society representatives discussed challenges facing the country and the need to ensure that that the government and civil society continue to involve the people in the decision making processes that effect their lives. Afghanistan s rapidly flourishing civil society is working with the new government to fight poverty, discrimination, corruption and to increase transparency in governance. 2

3 H.E. Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah Chaired the First Council of Ministers Meeting His Excellency Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah chaired the First Council of Ministers meeting in Kabul where He emphasized the unity government s commitment to enhance the governance of the country through enforcing the rule of law at all levels, improving security and to fight corruption wherever it occurs. H.E. Chief Executive Officer Abdullah expressed that the actions taken by the government would be based on improving the living standards of the Afghan people and that He would ensure that all acting Ministers were held accountable for their decisions. It was communicated that Ministers will be judged on how well they served the people and weekly Council of Ministers meetings are expected to take place as a tool to enhance the accountability and communication between the country s top decision makers. At what was a crucial meeting for the new unity government, important topics were discussed such as the participation of Afghanistan in the upcoming London Summit this December, the November South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Leaders' Summit, the transfer of sufficient food supplies to the provinces over the coming months and keeping the Salang Tunnel open during the winter. 3

4 Newsletter, Octoberber 2014 Dear Friends, Ambassador s Activities Message from the Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie October has certainly been a month of challenges and to those affected by the destructive force of typhoons Phanfone and Vongfong, my prayers were and remain with you. October, however, has also been a month to cherish and revere with Her Majesty Empress Michiko of Japan celebrating Her 80th birthday on Monday the 20th. It has been an honor for me to personally communicate my sincerest best wishes to Her Imperial Majesty. This month has also provided other honors as I had the great pleasure to meet with State Minister of Defense H.E. Akira Sato, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense H.E. Kenji Harada, Director General Dr. Hideaki Watanabe and the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture the Honorable Yuji Kuroiwa, who passed on their reassurances that Japan would continue to maintain its strong support and vital assistance to the people of Afghanistan. This continued support from the noble nation of Japan brings the people of Afghanistan great comfort as President Ghani deliberates on his Cabinet for the new government. Through Japan s continuation of its vital role which contributes to the ever increasing stability and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan, Japan is ensuring that it is playing a leading role on the global stage in addressing the challenges of world peace and security. My dear Japanese friends, life is fragile so let us all learn from Her Majesty Empress Michiko of Japan who has taught us that a cherished life can not be achieved through acting on our own desires, but instead, through our humble service to others. Eid al-adha Prayers October 4, 2014: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie went to the Tokyo Camii for Eid al-adha prayers and was warmly welcomed by the Ambassador of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Ahmet Bulent Meric, and Imam Nurullah Ayaz. Eid al-adha is an important holiday for Muslims and is celebrated globally. A large group of students from Afghanistan studying in Japan were also present and received the warm wishes of a happy Eid from H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie. 4

5 German Unity Day October 4, 2014: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie attended a reception to celebrate German Unity Day hosted by Germany s Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Hans Carl Freiherr Von Werthern. The strong friendship between Afghanistan and Germany was reaffirmed as well as Germany s commitment to continue to assist Afghanistan's development. 6th JAPAN-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum October 4, 2014: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the honor of attending a reception for the 6th JAPAN-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum. State Minister of Defense H.E. Akira Sato, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense H.E. Kenji Harada, Director General Dr. Hideaki Watanabe and the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture the Honorable Yuji Kuroiwa were all present at this important event. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie held warm discussions with each of them and sincerely thanked them for the special role that Japan is playing in the development of Afghanistan. Cool Japan 2014 Through Diplomats Eyes October 9, 2014: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the honor to attend the Award Ceremony and Opening Reception of the Cool Japan 2014 Through Diplomats Eyes exhibition which was attended by attended by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and Ambassadors representing their respective countries. The Exhibition displays the photos taken by Ambassadors and their spouses. H.E. Ambassador Fatimie s photographic contributions can be viewed at the Ambassador's Activities page on the Embassy's website. 5

6 Newsletter, Octoberber 2014 Welcomes H.E. Mr. Yamamoto from the United Nations October 22, 2014: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the honor of receiving His Excellency Mr. Yamamoto at the Embassy who is the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. H.E. Ambassador Dr. Fatimie expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to H.E. Yamamoto for success in his new position and expressed deep gratitude to him for his vital work in Afghanistan s development. Welcomes Mr. Hayashi and Ms. Hirayama October 23, 2014: His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Fatimie had the honor of receiving the Director of Asia/Oceania Regional Office of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Mr. Hayashi, and Director Ms. Hirayama from the Office of International Sports, Sports and Youth Bureau, MEXT. Discussions were held about anti-doping, work with Afghanistan s athletes and National Olympic Committee and the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Afghanistan s News Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign In Afghanistan This month, the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was held in Afghanistan. In this event, the Afghan Ministry of Public Health and members of non-profit partner agencies expressed the great need to increase the awareness about breast cancer in the country. All speakers emphasised that Afghanistan can tackle breast cancer only by facilitating widespread and accurate awareness and information about the disease. 6

7 Afghanistan s News Aqazada Appointed Member of FIFA U-20 World Cup FIFA appointed the Secretary General of the Afghan Football Federation, Sayed Ali Reza Aqazada, as a member of the Organizing Committee FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, making him the first Afghan to acquire the membership of the committee. Yousuf Kargar, AFF s technical deputy, stated that Aqazada s appointment is an honor for the nation. Aquazada hopes that FIFA will pay more attention to the development of Afghan football. First Special Females Gallery Opened In Kabul The first special females Gallery under the name of Shamamah was opened in Kabul with the presence of Ministry of Information and Culture Deputy Minister for Publication. At the opening ceremony, the role of art as a medium for communicating knowledge and highlighting the changes in society was discussed as well as the need for an increased focus on supporting emerging artists in the country in order to enhance the rehabilitation of society as a whole. Due to the great efforts of many Afghans and with the support of the international community, Afghan art has expanded greatly in the last thirteen years. Computers for the Masses Blue Sonic which sells computers and mobile phones to the local Afghan market and wishes to fulfill the increasing technological needs of the community. The Kabul based company is the country s first manufacturer of electronics and digital technology. Moreover, Blue Sonic hires mostly Afghans and is considered as a leader of the economic development and job creation in Afghanistan. Future expansion programs by the company will seek to train and employ some 500 disabled workers. 7

8 Afghanistan s News Afghanistan s Social Media Summit Afghanistan s Second Annual Social Media Summit (ASMS) was held in Kabul, Afghanistan from October the 19th to the 21st. ASMS was held for the purpose of discussing the importance and power of social media in Afghanistan. 500 people and social media users from 34 provinces attended the three-day national summit and training, tools and aid were provided to participants in order to enhance its positive development. People enjoyed speeches, panel discussions, breakout sessions, skills-building workshops by famous and influential social media experts from all over the world. Through the summit, people could learn case studies of social media use in Afghanistan, increase media skills and create a strong community among Afghanistan s social media users. The summit was organized by Impassion Afghanistan which is the first digital company in the country with the help of many sponsors. Impassion Afghanistan is a company which aids world-changing institutions for expanding their power by social media and mobile technology. Afghanistan Will Make 45 Millions in Revenue from Electricity Project Officials of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat finalized an agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan over transit pricing for the Central Asia South Asia electricity transmission project. Afghanistan will make 45 million USD in transit revenues. The project will become an essential element to promote the economic growth of Afghanistan and is an important step in the bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. 8

9 Cultural Discovery Project ~No.2~ Skateboarding In the Heart of Kabul What is the sport recently getting popular among children, both boys and girls, in Afghanistan? It is skateboarding! They are absorbed with skateboarding on the streets and at the skate parks in Kabul. All of the children regardless of gender, ethnicity, social and economic background get together as friends and are eager to practice their new skills. What on earth happened here? Skateistan The popularity of skateboarding in Afghanistan has been caused by Skateistan, an international NGO founded by an Australian skateboarder. This project aims to bring about empowerment, education, increased sense of community, social capital and leadership of Children in Afghanistan through skateboarding. Over 40 percent of children who come and join skateboarding are female students, and over 60 percent have economic hardship. Each child s social and economic background is different. Skateistan also started their school near the Skateboard Park for kids and youth in Students can develop not only skill of skateboarding but also their fundamental literacy, social-interaction and self-expression skills. We can say that Skateistan is a remarkable program that is having great success. 9

10 The Short Story of Skateistan Skateistan launched in Kabul in Oliver Percovich, is the founder and present executive director of this international NGO. When he visited Kabul with only his three skateboards, he was surrounded by children who got interested in skateboarding and wanted to see how to skateboard. Youth and children were attracted by skateboarding and this fact encouraged him to start his activity, Skateistan Kabul. In 2009, Skateistan opened a facility including a skate park and an educational school in cooperation with the Afghan National Olympic Committee. Although at the beginning children shared only three skateboards, now over 350 regular students join Skateistan. The project also has been expanded to inculde Mazar-e-Sharif, a northern city in Afghanistan, since How We Know About the Skater Boys and Girls? In October 2014, the movie Skateistan, a documentary film highlighted the children and the activities of Skateistan in Kabul, and was showed in Tokyo, Hokkaido and Osaka. The audience seemed to be surprised at notably cheerful boys and girls in Kabul who could do many amazing tricks on their skateboards. Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo Address: Azabudai, Minato ward, Tokyo, Tel: / Fax: Website: 10