The Japanese Ambassador in Kabul, Takashi Okada, called on the Afghan “de facto” authorities to strengthen legitimacy within the country to expand international cooperation.

Speaking at a signing ceremony for “Enhancing Agriculture Production through Community-Led Irrigation between the Embassy of Japan and FAO”, Okada said:

“For the expansion of international cooperation, the de facto authorities first needs to strengthen… legitimacy within the country by prioritizing people’s needs. When it happens, its external relations will be improved.”

During the ceremony, a water project worth $9.5 million in eastern Kunar province was kicked off. The project was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and Japan.

Okada said that approximately 12,000 people will benefit from the project.

“With this agreement, the Japanese government will provide approximately $9.5 million to FAO for the rehabilitation and expansion of Tetsu Nakamura’s legacy project,” he said.

Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan, said that the project will begin mid next year.

“The construction will begin next year. In the middle of next year. Involving local Afghan companies and the project will be completed by 2027,” he said.

Japanese ambassador once again reiterated his country’s support to the people of Afghanistan.