H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan Presidential candidate met with the Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada. During the bilateral meeting, Dr. Abdullah conveyed the people of Afghanistan’s appreciation for Japan’s significant support to Afghanistan’s rebuilding effort during the past several years. He further added that the Afghan people are well aware of the genuine support that Japan has provided thus far.

Dr. Abdullah discussed issues related to the Afghan Presidential elections as well as the developments that have taken place during the past several weeks. He added that despite significant fraud, the people of Afghanistan are hopeful that the ongoing audit and recount process would help to preserve elections credibility by addressing the major dilemmas. He added that he and his team would continue to closely monitor the process at every step in order to ensure its transparency and credibility. Dr. Abdullah reiterated that a credible outcome to elections would help to preserve the Afghan people’s faith and confidence in their partnership with the international community as well as their transition towards a democratic and civil society. He stated, “With the process being preserved, the right foundation would be place for the international community and Afghanistan to make further strides towards, security, stability and prosperity”.

Foreign Minister Okada indicated that Japan is planning to make further contributions for the Afghan reconstruction process. "As the Japanese government, we would like to extend substantial support and provide assistance that would be useful for Afghanistan." Both sides agreed that efficient coordination between Afghanistan and the international community would serve as an important factor in making further strides in the rebuilding effort.

Dr. Abdullah stated that Afghanistan required additional support in areas of agriculture development, water management, foreign investment and the energy sector. In addition, serious steps need to be taken to combat corruption and narcotics in an effort to ensure rule of law and good governance. Also, focusing on successful development projects at the “grass roots level” in insecure provinces would definitely help to improve security.

Foreign Minister Okada, who was on a one day trip to Kabul, was the first member of Japan's new government to visit Afghanistan.