Japan urges Afghanistan to try to improve security conditions+

TOKYO, June 16 Kyodo -
Japan urged Afghanistan on Wednesday to make efforts to stabilize the nation
and improve security conditions so that foreign aid, including Japan's
assistance, will be effectively used to rebuild the conflict-ravaged country,
the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met with visiting Afghan Finance Minister Omar
Zakhilwal ahead of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's arrival in Tokyo later in
the day, and told him that Japan wants Afghanistan to strengthen its governance
and implement policies to enhance people's living standards and create more
jobs.
Zakhilwal expressed appreciation for Japan, which pledged last November to
offer up to $50 billion in civilian aid over five years, saying Tokyo is one of
the largest partners in development and reconstruction efforts in his country.
The finance minister said the Afghan government has been carrying out measures
to wipe out corruption and improve fiscal management. He vowed to bolster
efforts to generate jobs and train personnel through the rural development and
infrastructure construction, according to the Japanese ministry.
Karzai, who arrived Wednesday night in Japan on a five-day visit through
Sunday, is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito and hold talks
with Prime Minister Naoto Kan, his predecessor Yukio Hatoyama and Okada on
Thursday.
The Afghan leader, who is making his first visit to Japan since being reelected
as president last November, will also travel to the Peace Memorial Park in
Hiroshima commemorating the 1945 atomic bombing as well as to Kyoto and Nara in
western Japan.
==Kyodo