Presidential Palace, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, met today with H.E. Nobutaka Machimura, Foreign Minister of Japan.

During the meeting, the President thanked Japan for its support to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, especially to the D.D.R. process, which he believed was a corner-stone for Afghanistan's development.

The assistance of Japan to the reconstruction of the infrastructure, including roads, and rural development areas were discussed. Discussing trade and investment, the President emphasised the good tradition of trade between Afghanistan and Japan, and hoped further trade cooperation between Afghanistan and Japan could develop.

The President also discussed Afghanistan's interest to play a more active role in promoting regional economic cooperation, and called for Japan's support, both bilaterally as well as at the G8 level.

H.E. Nobutaka Machimura assured the President that Japan supported Afghanistan's efforts to be economically independent and promised continued development assistance to Afghanistan and further cooperation in terms of trade.

The President invited the Prime Minister of Japan to visit Afghanistan, stressing that the Afghan people would be very happy to welcome him in their country.

Japan contributed 900 Million Dollars to the reconstruction of Afghanistan in the last 3 years.