Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa on Thursday issued a statement supporting the United Nations mandate in Afghanistan and engaging with the Taliban.

Hayashi said Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2678 renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year. The Resolution was adopted in the United Nations Security Council on March 16.   

“UNAMA’s engagement with the Taliban and its role in realizing peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region are crucial as the Taliban is further increasing restrictions on the rights of women and girls and deepening its isolation from the international community,” Hayashi’s statement said.

He added that Japan will continue to support UNAMA’s activities and contribute to the work of the Security Council. 

“With a view to preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Japan, continues to provide humanitarian assistance and basic needs assistance to the Afghan people in cooperation with the international community,” Hayashi said. “In addition, Japan will make persistent efforts in directly engaging with the Taliban to change their course, including reversing various restrictions on the rights of women and girls, and ensuring political inclusiveness.”