NATO-ASIA TIES STRENGTHENING THROUGH ISAF COOPERATION

CONFIDENTIAL,NOFORN 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) USNATO 00000147 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: PolCouns Stuart Seldowitz for reasons 1.4 (B, D) SUMMARY ------- 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 ----------------------------------------- 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 ------------------- 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 USNATO 00000147 002.2 OF 002 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 ---------------------------- 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