FARAH, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah members hosted a Ramadan iftar dinner for their provincial government counterparts and other key Afghan officials here, Aug. 28. PRT Farah hosted the dinner to foster stronger relations with their government counterparts and to connect on a personal level.
“Too often, it seems interactions between the PRT and Afghan officials focus solely on business matters,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Shane Voudren, PRT Farah commander. “The iftar allows us to show respect and appreciation for the Afghan culture and get to know the people better.”
PRT Farah Department of State Representative Nancy Abella agreed that the iftar dinner provided a chance to get to know one another on a different level.
“Seeing [the Afghans] outside of the work environment, outside of the shuras, helps us understand them and build a relationship. Sharing food, in almost all cultures is a way that people come together and express their common goals,” said Abella. “The relationship with us is important, but they’re also building relationships with one another which is most important.”
Farah Province Deputy Governor Muhammad Yusin Rasooli thanked Voudren and Abella for their support and hospitality.
“[The PRT] proved tonight that they respect [our] religion and we’re like brothers. We know each other not just as a different culture or a different religion, but as human beings,” said Rasooli through an interpreter.
Iftar is held after sunset and is a meal to break the fast Muslims observe from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.
The meal was held according to Afghan tradition with large, colorfully decorated carpets spread across the coarse Afghan soil. Afghans and service members alike removed their shoes before stepping onto the carpets.
Heaping platters of meats and rice sat alongside stacks of naan. Fresh fruits including raisins, apples and pomegranates were also served. The food was prepared and delivered by a local Afghan family.
Twenty PRT Farah members, 45 Afghan officials and other service members stationed at FOB Farah attended the dinner.
The PRT’s mission is to support economic development and effective governance at the district, municipal and provincial level in Farah Province in order to enhance the legitimate exercise of GIRoA authority and its ability to provide basic services to the people of Farah.
PRT Farah, a joint unit comprised of service members from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and civilians, operates from Forward Operating Base Farah, outside of Farah City, the provincial capital.