Statement by H.E. Mr. Motohide Yoshikawa
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Debate on the Situation in Afghanistan
United Nations General Assembly
30 November 2015
Mr. President,
Allow me to begin by expressing my gratitude to you for convening this important debate on the situation in Afghanistan.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Harald Braun of Germany and his distinguished colleagues for effectively guiding consultations on the resolution on Afghanistan to be adopted soon.
I also take this opportunity to thank the newly arrived Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal and his distinguished colleagues for playing an active role in achieving consensus on the resolution.
Three years ago in Tokyo, we agreed to the principle of mutual accountability between Afghanistan and the international community in order to realize Afghanistan’s self-reliance. The Tokyo framework was successfully reiterated in the “Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework” (SMAF), on September 5 in Kabul. I welcome the fact that the National Unity Government of Afghanistan has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities.
Japan has been one of the strongest supporters of Afghanistan. As a former Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, I have always believed that Afghanistan has great potential for realizing self-reliance. The international community and Afghanistan must continue working hand-in-hand towards this goal.
Mr. President,
Today I would like to focus on three key points for realizing Afghanistan’s self-reliance.
My first point is on the importance of strengthening agriculture. This is a key industry for generating jobs and income. In 2003, Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a Japanese medical doctor, launched a project in the Gamberi Desert in Nangarhar Province with the aim of transforming it into fertile land.
By utilizing centuries-old traditional Japanese irrigation technology combined with Afghanistan’s own traditional methods, this “Green Ground Project” succeeded in establishing a highly effective irrigation system.
This project brought about greater wheat production. Increased food production has resulted in better health of the region’s people and greater job opportunities. Vastly increased job opportunities have led to greater social stability and a significant reduction in crime.
This extraordinary program was initially funded solely by a non-governmental organization. In 2010, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joined in, providing technical and financial assistance. Now, the Government of Japan is looking to the possibility of cooperating with the Afghan Government and other organizations to introduce this irrigation system to other areas of Afghanistan.
This story is one vivid example of Afghanistan’s potential for realizing self-reliance.
Mr. President,
My second point is that regional cooperation, with improved regional connectivity, will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth. This point was echoed at the 6th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA-VI), which took place in September in Kabul.
Afghanistan is rich in agricultural and mineral resources, but they are not fully accessed or utilized due to many obstacles. The under-developed transportation infrastructure both within and outside Afghanistan is one such obstacle. This year, the Government of Japan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) jointly promoted preliminary studies on improving inter-connectivity in the region.
One such study is the feasibility study of the Torghundi-Herat Railway, which will connect western Afghanistan to Turkmenistan and hopefully open the door to new economic opportunities. The ADB and Japan are also surveying the Salang Pass project, which is a key location for the Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor. It is one of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) projects.
Here, the obstacle is the lack of appropriate border controls. When effectively installed, border controls not only greatly enhance regional economic activities, but also prevent illegal activities such as drug trafficking from taking place.
Mr. President,
My third point is that the development of human resources is essential.
Nearly 1,000 schools were newly constructed or restored by Japan over the course of a decade. It is also worth noting that Japan has been implementing literacy program for over 1 million Afghan people in cooperation with UNESCO since 2008. In addition, over 400 young government officials have received a post-graduate education in Japan under JICA’s PEACE (Project for Promotion and Enhancement of the Afghan Capacity for Effective Development) Program
Human resources can lay the foundation for Afghanistan’s economic development and self-reliance and enhance the capability of future government officials.
Mr. President,
Japan is determined to continue with its assistance to Afghanistan, so the Afghan government can realize self-reliance and all neighboring countries can benefit. Japan’s support for Afghanistan is part of its policy of proactive contribution to peace based on the principle of international cooperation. As Afghanistan makes a crucial transition towards self-reliance, Japan stands ready to offer its support in cooperation with the international community.
I thank you very much.
