Our Activities
On 8 October 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto signed a Grant Contract with The United Iraqi Medical Society for Relief and Development (UIMS) to provide financial assistance of up to 90,000 USD for the project for the provision of medical devices to Sinjar General Hospital in Nineveh Governorate.
From September 25 till 28, 2019, the Embassy of Japan in Iraq hosted an anniversary event “The International Iraqi Japanese Conference” to mark the 80th Year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq, inviting six Japanese Professors including Prof. Keiko Sakai of Chiba University and eminent Iraqi scholars of Japanese Studies.
On September 16, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto attended the completion ceremony of “Al-Mussaib Thermal Power Plant Rehabilitation Project” funded by Japanese ODA loan of approx. 313 million USD. This project aims to streamline and stabilize Iraq’s electric power system by rehabilitating Al-Mussaib thermal power plant, located in Babil Province, 75 km south of Baghdad, thereby contributing to the economic and social reconstruction of Iraq.
On July 28, 2019, the Embassy of Japan in Iraq commemorated the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces at the Embassy. Ambassador Hashimoto and Japanese Defense Attaché Colonel Takaaki Arima welcomed government officials, military attachés from the government of Iraq and diplomatic missions in Iraq.
●The 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Iraq Commemorative Lecture Series: The Second Lecture “Japan-Iraq Relations: Early days in 1930s and their expansion in 1970s - 80s”
The Embassy of Japan in Iraq in association with Professor Shuji Hosaka, Senior Research Fellow, and Ms. Akiko Yoshioka, Senior Analyst from the JIME Center, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) in Tokyo, Japan, held a lecture event titled “Japan – Iraq Relations: Early days in 1930s and their expansion in 1970s - 80s” at the Al Rasheed Hotel on 18th July 2019. As the second round of the commemorative lecture series of this special year, Prof. Hosaka gave a talk about our relations in early days 1930s. Ms. Akiko Yoshioka delivered some valuable talk about the expansion of Japan-Iraq relations in 1970s and 80s. Many academics and students of the College of Political Science and the College of Arts at the University of Baghdad, and JAAI had lively discussions and exchanged ideas with both lecturers about bilateral relations.
You can check Prof Hosaka's lecture material here: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000500184.pdf
And Ms. Yoshioka's lecture material here: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000500191.pdf
●Ambassador Hashimoto delivers the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette upon Prof. Mahmoud Al-Qaysi
On 26 June 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto delivered the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette to Prof. Mahmoud Al-Qaysi, Associate Dean of the College of Arts for Scientific Affairs, University of Baghdad.
●Ambassador Hashimoto signs E/N regarding Basra Refinery Upgrading Project (II)
On 16 June 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto and Deputy Prime Minister for Financial Affairs and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein signed the E/N concerning the provision of yen loan for“Basra Refinery Upgrading Project (II)”. The project, amounting to approx. 1,002 million US dollars, is to upgrade Basra refinery by constructing the first Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) complex in Iraq, aiming to increase the quality of oil products, close the gap between supply and demand, and decrease the dependency on imported oil products.
● Ambassador Hashimoto opens the "Japanese Lab"
On April 17, 2019 Ambassador Hashimoto opened the “Japanese Lab” at the College of Arts, University of Baghdad for the improvement of equipment for Japanese language facilities with financial assistance of 89,100 USD provided by the Government of Japan.
●Ambassador Hashimoto gives a lecture at the Council of Representatives
On 10 March 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto, in cooperation with the Foreign Relations Committee, gave a lecture at the Council of Representatives titled, “An overview of Japan’s Activities in Iraq during the last 15 Years” as one of the series of lectures on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq.
●Ambassador Hashimoto receives the students accepted into Japanese scholarship
On March 5, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto received the students accepted into the Japanese Ministry of Education’s scholarship for 2019 for lunch at the Embassy.
●Ambassador Hashimoto signs a Grant Contract with UIMS
On March 3, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto signed a Grant Contract with The United Iraqi Medical Society for Relief and Development (UIMS) to provide financial assistance of up to 83,000 USD for the project for the provision of medical devices to Hawija General Hospital in Kirkuk Governorate.
●Ambassador Hashimoto attends the 15th anniversary of founding JAAI
On February 28, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto attended the 15th anniversary of the founding of JICA Alumni Association Iraq (JAAI) and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq. JAAI, through its ongoing activities over the past 15 years, have contributed significantly to the strengthening of friendly relations between Japan and Iraq.
●Ambassador Hashimoto brings sakura trees from Japan
On February 27, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto brought with him several small sakura (cherry blossom) trees from Japan to try to plant them in Iraq. He visited Zawraa Park to present two of the trees to be planted under the supervision of Zawraa Park staff in the hope of bringing more in the event of the success of the trial.
● Ambassador Hashimoto presents the Ambassador’s Commendation to Mr. Kawa Sami Sabri Al Sorani
On February 21, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto presented the Ambassador’s Commendation to Mr. Kawa Sami Sabri Al Sorani, Country Representative of Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) Iraq Program for his outstanding contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Iraq.
● Ambassador Hashimoto delivers the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Mr. Azad Bajger
On February 20, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto delivered the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Mr. Azad Bajger. The Order was conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan for Mr. Bajger’s outstanding contributions to promoting bilateral friendship and strengthening economic relations in his capacity of Honorary Consul-General of Japan in the Kurdistan Region from 2008 to 2017.
● The Embassy of Japan in Iraq held an event titled “Peace Building Seminar” at the Embassy
On February 18, 2019, the Embassy of Japan in Iraq, in association with the University of Baghdad and Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, held an event titled “Peace Building Seminar” at the Embassy. The Embassy of Japan invited two distinguished Japanese speakers, Professor Saburo Takizawa from Toyo Eiwa University and Professor Daisaku Higashi from Sophia University.
You can check Prof. Takizawa's lecture materials here: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000449655.pdf
Prof. Takizawa's lecture summary here: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000449656.pdf
And Prof. Higashi's lecture materials here: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000449653.pdf
Prof. Higashi's lecture summary: https://www.iraq.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000449654.pdf
● Ambassador Hashimoto signs a project agreement with UNESCO
On 18 February 2019, the Government of Japan announced a new project in cooperation with UNESCO amounting to 540 thousand US Dollars to address the rehabilitation of a primary school in the old Mosul and prevention of violent extremism. A signing ceremony for the project agreement by Ambassador Hashimoto and Mr. Rory Robertshaw, UNESCO Office for Iraq, took place in the presence of Dr. Hamid Ahmed, Deputy Chairman of the Prime Minister of Iraq’s Advisory Commission (PMAC).
● Ambassador Hashimoto visits the Iraqi Aikido team
On February 16, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto visited the Iraqi Aikido team and enjoyed the demonstrations the players gave of this martial art. He also distributed the certificates of passing the team’s tests.
● Ambassador Hashimoto attends the graduation ceremony for “Entrepreneurship and Youth Leadership Training Program for Iraq"
On February 9, 2019, Ambassador Hashimoto attended the graduation ceremony for “Entrepreneurship and Youth Leadership Training Program for Iraq” organized by UNITAR (the United Nations Institute for Training and Research) with the support of the Government of Japan. Ambassador Hashimoto presented certificates to 21 fellows and showed his expectations for the fellows to be able to tackle problems in their society with the skills acquired through this program for a bright future of Iraq.
● Ambassador Hashimoto signs the Grant Contract for the financial assistance
On 3 February 2019 Ambassador Hashimoto signed the Grant Contract for the financial assistance of up to 89,100 USD for the Project for Improvement of Equipment for Japanese Language Facilities at the College of Arts, University of Baghdad. A signing ceremony for the Grant Contract was held which was signed by Ambassador Hashimoto, and the Executive Director of Iraqi Al-Amal Association Mr. Jamal Al-Jawaheri, which would support the implementation of this project.
●Ambassador Hashimoto visits the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
On December 26, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Qusai Al-Suhail. During the meeting, Ambassador underlined the importance of the investment in Iraqi young people. The Minister and Ambassador also discussed ways to expand opportunities of scholarships for Iraqi students to study in Japan.
● Ambassador Hashimoto visits yen loan projects sites in Basra
On 23th and 24th December, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto visited the following yen loan projects sites in Basra, in which Japanese companies engage/engaged, Hartha Thermal Power Station Rehabilitation Project, Basra Water Supply Improvement Project, Khor Al-Zubair Fertilizer Plant Rehabilitation Project, Port Sector Rehabilitation Project (phase II) (Khor Al-Zubair Port), and Basra Refinery Upgrading Project.
●The Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, visit to Iraq
On December 17, 2018, the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, visited Iraq.
● Ambassador Hashimoto hosts the Japanese National Day Reception
On December 6, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto hosted the Japanese National Day Reception, with the attendance of H.E. Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Dr. Mahdi Al-Allaq, in addition to a number of dignitaries, Ambassadors, and Iraqi friends and partners in a variety of fields, to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
● Ambassador Hashimoto paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Barham Saleh, President of the Republic of Iraq
On October 8, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Barham Saleh, President of the Republic of Iraq. Ambassador Hashimoto congratulated Dr. Saleh on the occasion of his election as President of the Republic. The two parties discussed the ways to enhance the friendly relations and cooperation between Japan and Iraq. (Photo: Iraqi Presidency Office Website)
● Ambassador Hashimoto attends an opening ceremony of UNITAR
On October 1, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto attended an opening ceremony of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima project funded by the Government of Japan. The fellows from the public and private sectors will work forward developing the skills and insight to contribute to the betterment of society through four workshops.
● Ambassador Hashimoto pays a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Council of Representatives
On September 30, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Mr. Mohammed Al-Halbousi. Ambassador Hashimoto congratulated Mr. Al-Halbousi on the occasion of his election as the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and discussed with him the enhancement of the friendly relations and cooperation between Japan and Iraq.
●Ambassador Hashimoto signs and exchanges notes concerning the provision of yen loan
On September 15, 2018, Ambassador Hashimoto and H.E. Dr. Maher Hammad Johan, Acting Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Iraq, signed and exchanged notes concerning the provision of yen loan for “Water Supply Improvement Project in Kurdistan Region (II)” (approx. 22 million US dollars). The project aims to improve drinking water supply in the Kurdistan Region by rehabilitating water supply facilities.
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