Embassy Bids Farewell to the Japanese Civilian Team Heading for Afghanistan
On May 21, a farewell ceremony was arranged at the Embassy for the remaining half of the Japanese experts who will be leaving soon for Afghanistan to take their assignments at the Lithuanian-led provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in Ghor Province. Japan and Lithuania already have a success story to tell, as the two countries have experience of working together in Afghanistan since 2007. To say the least, as much as 50% of the total Japanese Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Projects in Afghanistan was implemented in Ghor province with the assistance of the Lithuanian-led PRT. Japan – Lithuania cooperation in Afghanistan opens a new page in the bilateral relations as well. During the recent four years, the major part of the Lithuanian development assistance budget as well as civilian and military efforts have been earmarked for Afghanistan. Lithuania has joined the commitment of the international community to assist the Afghan people to rebuild their own state effectively functioning at both local and national levels. There is a need for international community and donors to better coordinate its assistance and aid programmes. There is also a need for more even distribution of funding throughout the country. In this respect, Lithuania appreciates the UN Security Council decision on establishing the central UN role in coordinating and leading the international endeavours. We believe that a special attention must be given to an expanded support for rural development and more effective response to the humanitarian needs. It is believed that joint efforts by Lithuania and Japan will mutually complete each other's existing activities in Afghanistan and make it an excellent example to follow.
On May 21, a farewell ceremony was arranged at the Embassy for the remaining half of the Japanese experts who will be leaving soon for Afghanistan to take their assignments at the Lithuanian-led provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in Ghor Province.
