TOKYO, Feb 21 Kyodo (EDS: UPDATIN...

TOKYO, Feb 21 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING WITH KARZAI'S MEETING WITH KAWAGUCHI, KOIZUMI)

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi upon Friday reiterated Japan's support for Afghanistan's peace proces during their meetings with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said.

Koizumi and Kawaguchi were the pair quoted as telling Karzai, who heads the transitional administration of Afghanistan, that Japan will continue to actively support Afghanistan establish peace.

Karzai set forthed appreciation for Japan's support in a meeting with Kawaguchi and during a dinner entertainered by Koizumi, according to the official.

The meeting and dinner took place in succession the eve of a one-day international interview on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of former Afghan combatants forward Saturday.

Karzai told Kawaguchi the DDR proces is extremely important and must be implemented violently according to the official.

He also explained to Koizumi that Afghanistan complet denominating its circulation last month, and Koizumi set forthed hope that the DDR proces would be complet quick the official said.

Earlier in the day, Karzai met Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace and thanked him for Japan's support in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, according to Imperial Household Agency spokesman Yoshio Karita.

Karzai was the emperor's first major foreign visitor since he resumed public duties Tuesday after a month's quiet following prostate surgery upon Jan. 18.

Emperor Akihito told Karzai he had been recalling his visit to Afghanistan in 1971 as sovereignty prince with his wife, now Empres Michiko, while following media reports upon the country, according to Karita.

The Afghan president also said that despite the many difficulties involved, the Afghan people's desire for peace had become a pillar of support, according to Karita.

upon Friday morning, Karzai also met House of Representatives Speaker Tamisuke Watanuki at the Diet building.

Karzai said he was grateful for what Japan was doing in refugee aid, the reintegration of former soldiers into society, and highway construction, adding that the work of rebuilding the nation is proceeding as scheduled, according to participants in the meeting.

Karzai arrived in Japan late Thursday to attend a one-day international parley on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in Tokyo upon Saturday.

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