NATO-ASIA TIES STRENGTHENING THROUGH ISAF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USNATO 000147

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2017
TAGS: NATO PREL JA KS CH XB
SUBJECT: NATO-ASIA TIES STRENGTHENING THROUGH ISAF
COOPERATION

REF: A. USNATO 22


B. SEOUL 487 (NOTAL)

C. USNATO-EUR/RPM E-MAIL 01/17/2007 REPORT ON
ASG/PASP PRC DG LI RUIYU (NOTAL)

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Classified By: PolCouns Stuart Seldowitz for reasons 1.4 (B, D)

SUMMARY
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1. (C) Recent exchanges between NATO and Japan, Korea, and
China illustrate the rapid enhancement of practical
cooperation through the NATO-led International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. NATO's A/SYG Erdmann
is visiting Tokyo the week of March 5, while NATO is expected
to finalize approval for Japan to observe or take part in 32
NATO activities this year, and Japan is to announce plans to
channel development grants through ISAF Provincial
Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in Afghanistan. Korea has
initiated the transfer of its detachment at the Parwan PRT to
ISAF command. The Chinese Ambassador and NATO Senior
Civilian Representative (SCR) have established direct
contacts in Kabul, prompting a warm letter of appreciation to
NATO SYG de Hoop Scheffer from China's Ambassador to Belgium.
End Summary.

JAPAN TO CHANNEL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PRTS
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2. (C) A/SYG Martin Erdmann departed for Tokyo on March 5 for
a week of consultations with D/FM Yabunaka, D/FM Yachi,
members of FM Aso's staff, and others, and to present a
speech as part of a Japanese publicity program on NATO. The
consultations agenda covers Japan-NATO cooperation, NATO
Operations, NATO's transformation, WMD proliferation,
Regional affairs (focusing on North Korea and China),and
bilateral Japan-ISAF cooperation.


3. (C) On March 7, Erdmann is to sign a memorandum
establishing a Japanese grants program totaling $20 million
for Afghanistan that is to be channeled through ISAF PRTs.
The NATO SCR is to serve as a conduit for PRT proposals to
the Japanese embassy in Kabul for consideration, fulfilling
PM Abe's January 12 announcement to the NAC that Japan would
step up its development and humanitarian assistance through
ISAF. The Japanese told NATO prior to Erdmann,s travel that
the only provinces excluded from aid consideration through
this plan are those that already receive direct bilateral
assistance from the Japanese development agency; Kabul,
Balkh, Bamian and Nangarhar would thus be excluded.


4. (C) NATO is nearing agreement to invite Japanese observers
to 32 NATO exercises and other activities in 2007. The
decision is under silence until close of business March 6,
which should allow Erdmann to announce the decision before he
departs Tokyo on March 12. This decision responds to the
interests expressed by PM Abe to the NAC, building on Japan's
participation in three seminars and three exercises in 2006.
Japan is also contributing to Allies' efforts in Afghanistan
by conducting refuelling operations in the Indian Ocean.

KOREAN UNIT TO ISAF
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5. (C) The Republic of Korea offered to transfer its forces
in Afghanistan currently under U.S. command to ISAF on
February 12, in a note to SACEUR. Korean forces consist of
some 220 medical and engineering personnel based at the
Parwan PRT at Bagram. The NAC agreed in principle to accept

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this on March 6, subject to a successful certification
process with NATO military authorities and the completion of
necessary legal and financial paperwork with the NATO Legal
Adviser. In addition to bolstering ISAF, this will enable
expanded access and consultative opportunities at NATO for
the ROK, to include participation in North Atlantic Council
meetings that include ISAF non-NATO troop contributors.

CHINA-NATO CONTACT IN KABUL
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6. (C) On March 1, D/ASG Simmons circulated the text of a
letter dated February 16 from Chinese Ambassador in Brussels
Guan Chengyuan expressing appreciation for NATO's help in
establishing direct contact between "NATO institutions in
Afghanistan" and the PRC. Text of the letter follows in para

7.


7. (C) Text of the letter, dated February 16, follows:

Your Excellency,

I was very pleased to receive your letter dated 2nd February
concerning the establishment of direct contact between the
Chinese Embassy in Kabul and NATO institutions in
Afghanistan. I soon reported that to the relevant
authorities in China. Now I have the honor to inform you
that a few days ago, H.E. Mr. Liu Jian, Chinese Ambassador to
Afghanistan and Ambassador Daan Everts, NATO Civilian High
Representative to Afghanistan had a meeting in Kabul. They
had a constructive discussion with positive achievements on
enhancing information exchanges, emergency assistance and
Etc. I am confident that such kind of contact and exchange
is conducive to deepening our mutual trust, as well as to the
peace, stability and reconstruction process in Afghanistan.

I wish to maintain constant contact with you and exchange
views on issues of mutual concern.

Guan Chengyuan, Ambassador and Head of Mission, People's
Republic of China, Brussels.

End text.
OLSON