Sh. Hiroki worked as the Ambassador of Japan in Afghanistan in 2009-2011 where Lithuania was conducting reconstruction efforts in the province of Ghor for eight years.
Personal contribution of Sh. Hiroki facilitated strengthening of the cooperation between Japan and Lithuania in completing reconstruction and development projects vital for the province of Ghor.
When presenting the award to Sh. Hiroki Lithuanian Ambassador in Japan Egidijus Meilunas emphasised the Japanese-Lithuanian collaboration in delivering provincial reconstruction efforts in Ghor as a valuable instance of international solidarity.
During Ambassador Sh. Hiroki's term in Afghanistan an Japan opened an office in the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team of Ghor. Lithuania and Japan co-financed and collaborated throughout the implementation of joint projects (i.e., constructions of a children centre in Chaghcharan, reconstruction of Chaghcharan streets and the hospital, etc.) which contributed significantly to the welfare of local population, economic and social development of the province.
During the period it was rendering assistance in Afghanistan Japan allocated LTL 122.2 million (EUR 35.3 million) for project implementation.
Lithuania was running a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghor province as part of the International Security Assistance Force (NATO ISAF) from June of 2005 to autumn of 2013. By leading that civilian-military campaign Lithuania contributed to the extension of the influence of the Government of Afghanistan in the province and to ensuring security and safe conditions for the provincial reconstruction processes alongside other contributing nations.
Based on the information of the Embassy of Lithuania in Tokyo.
