Ambassador Fatimie meets Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Yoshihara to discussthe UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport

August 10, 2011: Ambassador Dr. Sayed M. Amin Fatimie; Dr. Bashir Mohabbat, Deputy Head of Mission; and Ms. Parwana Paikan welcomed Mr. Kazuhiro Hayashi, Director of the Asia/Oceania Office of the World Anti-Doping Agency, and Mr. Takao Yoshihara, Unit Chief of the Office for Promoting Anti-Doping of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, to the Embassy.

Ambassador Fatimie opened by expressing on behalf of the people of Afghanistan deepest and heartfelt condolence for the tragic effects of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami. Furthermore, Ambassador Fatimie emphasized his confidence in the Japanese people to bring about a fast and successful recovery. Mr. Yoshihara and Mr. Hayashi in return expressed their gratitude to the people and the Government of Afghanistan for their support to Japan following the disaster.

The gentlemen discussed together the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport. The purpose of this convention is to promote the prevention of and the fight against doping in sports, with the aim of total elimination. Ambassador Fatimie told Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Yoshihara he strongly supports the ratification of the convention by the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. He assured the two gentlemen he will forward their request concerning a ratification of the convention to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.