Pakistan, Afghanistan Assistance and Millennium Development Goals on the Agenda

Shah and Sadoshima met for the first time at USAID headquarters in Washington. Japan is a key development partner for the United States, particularly in global health, agriculture, water, infrastructure and public-private partnerships.

Shah had just returned from several days in flood-ravaged Pakistan, and he thanked Sadoshima for Japan's efforts there. "The international community is working hand in hand with Pakistani partners to meet the needs of millions who have been affected by this disaster, and I was deeply impressed by the significant steps taken in the relief effort," Shah said. "We now need to expand our capabilities in that area and consider how to move toward recovery and reconstruction once the relief phase is done. We must focus on planning for the multi-year effort that will be needed to ensure that the Pakistani people can rebuild."

The two officials took note of Japanese-U.S. development efforts in Afghanistan, including ongoing work with the donor community. They exchanged views on how the U.S. and Japan can contribute to achieving health outcomes by supporting the national health programs of partner countries. They also discussed the long tradition of bilateral cooperation on health matters, including the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, avian influenza, polio, and neglected tropical diseases; and to improve maternal and child health care, water and sanitation , and hygiene; and to strengthen health systems. And they agreed on the importance of the Millennium Development Goals and working together toward meeting the goals by 2015.

For more information about USAID's programs, please visit: usaid.gov. To read our blog, see blog.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.