The general director of the National Environmental Protection Agency emphasized that climate change is a global crisis, while Afghanistan has not contributed to this issue, it is still one of the most vulnerable countries.

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Monitoring: In a meeting with Ambassador Takayoshi Kuromaya, Mawlawi Matiul Haq Khalis, General Director of NEPA, provided a comprehensive overview of Afghanistan’s current environmental challenges. He emphasized the deep-rooted historical relations between Afghanistan and Japan, acknowledging Japan’s consistent support for Afghanistan and the people across various sectors.
Mawlawi Khalis expressed grave concerns regarding the extensive damage inflicted on the country’s forests, ecosystems, and overall environment as a result of decades of conflict, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. He attributed recent flooding and the rise of unfamiliar diseases in Afghanistan to climate change, noting that the floods in 2022 affected 26 provinces, while similar disasters in 2024 impacted 10 to 11 provinces, displacing many individuals who continue to live in temporary shelters.
He highlighted that climate change represents a global crisis, and while Afghanistan has not contributed to this issue, it remains one of the most vulnerable nations. “The international community must regard environmental issues from a humanitarian perspective, advocating for collective action across all countries,” he stated.
Khalis criticized Afghanistan’s absence from last year’s climate change conference held in the United Arab Emirates and urged Japan and other nations to facilitate the participation of representatives from the Islamic Emirate at this year’s conference in Azerbaijan, ensuring that the concerns of Afghanistan’s vulnerable populations are prominently addressed on the global stage.
He recognized Japan as a leading nation in technological advancements and innovation, appealing to the ambassador for support in various sectors, particularly in the promotion of clean energy initiatives for the Afghan population.
In response, Ambassador Kuromaya commended the achievements of the Islamic Emirate over the past three years in areas such as security, combating drug trafficking, and addressing administrative corruption. He emphasized Afghanistan’s favorable climate and rich natural beauty.
The ambassador assured the General Director of Japan’s ongoing commitment to collaboration in agriculture, the construction of dams, and irrigation projects through JICA and other organizations. Both sides reiterated their dedication to enhancing cooperation across all sectors, particularly in relation to climate change and environmental conservation./Bakhtar News