Japan Pledges $19.5 Million in New Aid for Afghanistan

Japan Pledges $19.5 Million in New Aid for Afghanistan
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Japan has announced $19.5 million in new humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan, reaffirming its continued engagement through United Nations agencies despite ongoing political and economic challenges, Khaama Press reported. The pledge underscores Tokyo’s long-standing role as a key international donor focused on humanitarian relief rather than direct support to Afghan authorities.

The announcement followed a meeting in Kabul between Taliban Refugees Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir and Japan’s new ambassador, Kenichi Masamoto. According to a ministry statement, the ambassador said Japan has provided about $550 million in aid since the Taliban returned to power, supporting humanitarian relief, healthcare, water supply, alternative livelihoods, migration assistance and women’s empowerment.

Masamoto said the newly approved aid package would fund migrant-related and humanitarian programmes and reiterated Japan’s intention to continue cooperation without interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Japan has traditionally channelled support through UN agencies and NGOs, as many Western states have halted direct funding while maintaining humanitarian assistance amid Afghanistan’s deepening crisis.