The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Brian Cowen TD is to visit Japan and China and attend the international Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan in Tokyo.
Mr Cowen is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings including a meeting with the Afghanistan Interim Authority.
Last year the State contributed over €5m in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and is set to make further assistance available.
Mr Cowen will also make an official visit to China where he will discuss international and regional political issues.
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The visit is designed to have a strong economic focus and to be a chance for Government promotional efforts in the region.