President Barzani, Japanese ambassador discuss broadening cooperation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday received Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Akira Endo, discussing the importance of broadening cooperation between Erbil and Tokyo. 

The two discussed "the overall situation in Iraq, the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, and preparations for the upcoming elections," read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

President Barzani and Endo also stressed the importance of the presence and engagement of the Japanese firms in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Kurdish leader expressed his "appreciation for Japan’s support and the contributions of its companies in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region."

Several Japanese companies, particularly automobile manufacturers, have established offices in the Kurdistan Region.

"The meeting also covered the latest developments in the Middle East and their implications for Iraq and neighboring countries," said the Kurdish presidency. 

Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has launched Iraq’s first wastewater treatment project in Erbil, a $230 million initiative aimed at providing clean water for the city and surrounding farmland, its ambassador told Rudaw earlier this month. 

[Source: Rûdaw English]