Archived Activities
●Ambassador Iwai’s Visit to the Japanese Projects in Basra
On August 10, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai visited Basra Governorate, where he visited both of Al-Haritha Thermal Power Plant and the site of the Great Basra Water Project to encourage Japanese people working under the harsh climate.
Al-Haritha power plant consists of four units, and the Japanese team is working to rehabilitate its fourth unit which is about to be completed. In addition, the agreement between Japan and Iraq was recently signed to finance the rehabilitation of its first unit by the Japanese Yen Loan. It is worth mentioning that the Japanese team, in close cooperation with the Iraqi side, will finish this work at a record-breaking speed in light of the difficult circumstances where the people of Basra live.
On the other hand, another Japanese team is also working hard at the Great Basra Water Project site to complete the project as soon as possible, wishing that this plant will pump up plenty of drinking water to alleviate the suffering of the people in Basra in the nearest future.
●Ambassador Iwai meets Mr.Arfan Al-Hayali, Minister of Defense
On August 12, 2017, Ambassador of Japan Mr.Fumio Iwai, together with new Japanese Defense Attache to Iraq, Col. Takaaki Arima, paid a call to Minister of Defense H.E. Mr. Arfan Al-Hayali. In the meeting, Ambassador Iwai conveyed congratulations on the liberation of Mosul and reaffirmed Japan’s continuous support for the re-stabilization of Iraq.
●Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Sonoura’s, visit to Iraq
On 5 August, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, visited Iraq and met with the Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Haider Abadi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Ja’fari, separately. Additionally, he attended the signing ceremony of the exchange of notes for the new Yen Loan project “Hartha Thermal Power Station Rehabilitation Project (Phase 2)”.
・Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Kentaro Sonoura’s Visit to Iraq
・Yen Loan“Hartha Thermal Power StationRehabilitation Project (Phase 2)”( Signing Ceremony of the Exchange of Notes)
●Ambassador Iwai meets Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Omar, Minister of Education
On July 31, 2017, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, met with the Minister of Education, H.E Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Omar. They examined current situation on Iraqi education and the way to support Iraq especially in the educational field.
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●Ambassador Iwai meets Mr. Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, Minister of Industry and Minerals
On July 30, 2017, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, met with the Minister of Industry and Minerals H.E Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani. They exchanged views on ways to develop Iraqi industries and enhance development cooperation between Iraq and Japan.
●Japan Self Defence Forces Day Reception
On 23 May 2017, The Embassy of Japan in Iraq held “The Reception for the 63nd Anniversary of the Establishment of the Japan Self Defence Forces”at the Embassy of Japan, sequentially last year.
At the ceremony, after both Japanese and Iraqi anthems were played, Ambassador Iwai congratulated the great progress in the Mosul Operation in the fight against ISIL/Daesh and expressed that Japan would keep supporting Iraq with humanitarian and stabilization assistance. He also appreciated the achievement of Colonel Kadota, who would complete his assignment in June.
The Reception was well attended by many from both the Iraqi Government, including the Ministry of Defence, and diplomatic missions.
●Ambassador Iwai meets Mr. Saleem Al-Juburi, Speaker of the Council of the Representatives
On April 19 2017, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a visit to H.E. Mr. Saleem Al-Juburi, Speaker of Council of the Representatives, and exchanged views on the current situation in Iraq. Both sides agreed on the importance of achieving national reconciliation among all peoples of Iraq to stabilize the country, especially after the concluding of current fight against terrorism.
●Ambassador Iwai meets Mr. Iyad Allawi, Vice President of the Republic of Iraq
On the 16th Apr 2017, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai met with the Vice President of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Iyad Allawi and discussed issues of common interest including recent development of situations in Iraq and the Japan – Iraq relations. Both sides agreed on the importance of achieving national reconciliation among all peoples of Iraq to stabilize the country, and to promote the Japanese companies to come back to Iraq for business and investment.
●Ambassador Iwai's Meeting with Mr. Rawandouzi, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities
On 29 March 2017, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai visited H.E. Faryad Rawandouzi, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, and discussed importance of cultural relationship between Iraq and Japan, including protection of Iraqi cultural heritage by Japan’s assistance through UNESCO. Both sides agreed to enhance cultural cooperation between both countries.
●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Mr. Al-Maliki, Vice President of the Republic of Iraq
On 22nd March 2017, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr.Fumio Iwai visited H.E. Vice President of the Republic of Iraq Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki, and discussed issues of common interest including recent development of situations in Iraq and Japan-Iraq relations. Ambassador Iwai expressed his expectation for the fast completion of operations to fully liberate Mosul, and reaffirmed Japan’s determination to continue its support to Iraq especially in humanitarian and stabilization fields.
●The 6th Japan-Iraq High-Level Policy Dialogue
On 26 Feb 2017, “The 6th Japan-Iraq High-Level Policy Dialogue” was held in Baghdad. The Japanese side was headed by Mr. Tsukasa Uemura, Director General of Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, while the Iraqi side by Dr. Nazar Al Khairallah, Undersecretary for Foreign Minister. In the dialogue, the both sides confirmed their partnership between the two countries in the fight against terrorism, stabilization in the liberated areas, and improvement of humanitarian situation in Iraq. They also discussed fruitfully the means to further enhance the bilateral relationship in various areas including diplomacy, economic and academic exchange, as well as regional issues and other issues of mutual interest.
●Prof. Alaa Al-Kashwan, President of University of Baghdad visitedH.E. Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
On 14 February, Prof. Alaa Al-Kashwan, President of University of Baghdad and others paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, with Prof. Atsushi Nishida, Vice President of Chiba University and Prof. Keiko Sakai, Dean of Faculty of Law, Politics and Economics of Chiba University, when he visited Japan to conclude the MOU between Chiba University and University of Baghdad, which is the first MOU between Japanese and Iraqi universities.
1. Mr. Sonoura highly appreciated the conclusion of the MOU for academic exchange between the University of Baghdad and Chiba University, and praised Iraqi’s focusing on the field of education with a view to the future. Mr. Sonoura also emphasized that the MOU was the realization of the agreement, which was reached with Iraqi Government when Mr. Sonoura visited Iraq last month, in order to enhance the bilateral exchanges, in the fields of education, academic exchange and exchange of universities.
2. Prof. Al-Kashwan expressed his strong interest in learning from Japan's knowledge and experiences, especially post-war reconstruction and advanced techniques. He also said that taking the MOU with Chiba University as the first step, he would like to proceed to further academic exchange and exchange of universities in multiple areas.
3. Both sides agreed that it is important to coordinate further interests between the two countries how to use Japan's knowledge and experiences in education and academic fields for the future development and reconstruction of Iraq.
●State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Kentaro Sonoura’s visit to Erbil
1.On 11th January, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Erbil, the Republic of Iraq.
2.During his stay in Erbil, State Minister Sonoura had meetings with Mr. Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Dr. Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister, Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Falah Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Kurdistan Regional Government, and Mr. Masrour Barzani, Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council. In addition, State Minister Sonoura held the opening ceremony of the consular office of Japan in Erbil established on 1st January, 2017.
3.In the meetings, State Minister Sonoura stated that the Kurdistan region has shown its presence as a stabilizing force in the Middle East region facing drastic changes, and that strengthening ties with the Kurdistan region will lead to building a new stable base for Japan in Iraq and the Middle East region.
4. State Minister Sonoura expressed Japan’s intention to make additional contributions of approximately 100 million US dollars to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, for humanitarian assistance and support for the stabilization of liberated areas, upon approval of the supplemental budget by the Japanese Diet, considering a significant number of internally displaced people from the areas around Mosul, with the progress of the operations to liberate Mosul. In addition, after the meeting between State Minister Sonoura and Mr. Falah Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, with their presence, Grant Contract on “the Project for Explosives Clearance in the Kurdistan Region” under the scheme of Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects was signed by H.E ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai and Head of Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency, Mr. Muhammed Ahmed Ismail.
5. The Kurdistan side welcomed State Minister Sonoura’s revisit to the Kurdistan Region and expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s generous assistance, including the new assistance for explosives clearance such as mines. The Kurdistan side also expressed their intention to successfully go through the operations to liberate Mosul, a critical point of the war against terrorism, and to move forward for the Region’s stability and development, learning from Japan’s experience of reconstruction. In addition, the Kurdistan side expressed its hope to strengthen the Japan-Kurdistan relationship in all fields.
●Opening a “New Chapter” for the Japan-Iraqi Relations (January 11, 2017) - Kentaro Sonoura, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
It was my great personal pleasure to return to Baghdad for my second visit. Returning to Baghdad has been something I have always wanted from the heart. So I was very happy that I have eventually fulfilled it.
I came back here this time, most of all, to convey a clear message of Japan’s enduring solidarity with Iraq and its people who are fighting against terrorism at the forefront and to the utmost of their ability. We wanted to repeat this message at this critical moment as the operations to liberate Mosul are making progress. As a true friend and true “running partner” of Iraq, Japan remains committed to extending continuous and steady contributions to Iraq’s efforts for its brighter future and to proving our solidarity with Iraqi people by our actions, not just by words.
Japan has long been committed to the support for efforts by Iraq and its people to fight against terrorism and overcome economic challenges. Yesterday during our meeting with Prime Minister al-Abbadi, I reassured that this position of Japan will sustain. In fact, during this visit, Japan announced its intention to provide its ODA loan (yen loan) for a new project aimed at the alleviation of serious electricity problems in Iraq. We also signed yesterday an agreement on another yen loan project, “Electricity Sector Reconstruction Project (phase 3),” which includes the provision of mobile substations to Anbar Province. With this, Japan’s bilateral assistance to Iraq since 2003 totals around 14.3 billion US dollars, including debt reduction.
This visit also gave me an opportunity of celebrating the opening of a “new chapter” for the Japan-Iraqi relations, together with our Iraqi friends. This “new chapter” is represented by the opening of the Consular Office of Japan in Erbil on January 1. The sense of this “new chapter” is also reflected in the “Joint Press Release on the Enhancement of Bilateral Relationship Between Japan and the Republic of Iraq,” issued yesterday. In this Joint Press Release, Dr. Ibrahim al-Jafari, Foreign Minister of Iraq, and I outlined the future process and direction of the enhancement of our bilateral relations, appreciating the progresses made so far in our bilateral relations including the above-mentioned new ODA loan project. Both sides confirmed the shared intention to develop their relationship in line with the process and directions contained in this Joint Press Release. Steady and sincere fulfillment of promises is one of the unchanged principles in Japan’s diplomacy.
As mentioned in the Joint Press Release, November 2019 will mark the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq. I have strong belief that both peoples should remain determined to further enhance our bilateral relations in broader fields, including people-to-people exchanges, so that we can congratulate each other on a great leap forward in the relations between Japan and Iraq at the eightieth anniversary. In this regard, I believe our two countries should promote dialogues in a forward-looking and progressive perspective on our bilateral relations despite the challenges and hardships currently in front of us, and translate the outcomes of such dialogue into joint actions.
Friendship is often reaffirmed and even grows in the time of difficulties and challenges, as the assistance and solidarity that the Iraqi people kindly extended to the Japanese people after the Great East Japan Earthquake strengthened the ties between our two peoples. Japan will remain a true friend of Iraq, even during the period when Iraq is being faced with difficulties and challenges.
Iraq has to overcome its challenges including the fight against terrorism and corruption, and fiscal and financial problems, while promoting the national reconciliation and economic reform. I am confident that Iraqi people can overcome these challenges with the courage and solidarity that they are currently demonstrating to the world.
In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to remaining a true “running partner” of Iraq and to working together with Iraq towards a brighter future for coming generations of Iraq.
●Japan’s National Day Reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday
Ambassador Fumio Iwai hosted the national day reception to celebrate the birthday of H.M. the Emperor of Japan on December 6th, 2016.
Ambassador Iwai made his remarks expressing his appreciation for the participation of a large number of prominent figures for the celebration. He expressed the commitment of the Japanese Government to continue its support to Iraq. He also mentioned that Japan has been and will be a running partner of Iraq on its way towards the better future.
From the Iraqi side, H.E. Dr. Saleem Al-Jubouri, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, delivered his remarks. He stressed the importance of enhancement of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The reception was attended by a large number of Iraqi prominent guests, including H.E. Dr. Abdul Razaq Al Essa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as representatives from Members of Parliament, Ministries, diplomatic corps, international organizations and NGOs in Iraq.
●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Mr Abtan, Minister of Youth and Sports
On December 7, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a call to H.E. Mr Abdulhussein Abtan, Minister of Youth and Sports of Iraq, and exchanged views on means to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of sports between Japan and Iraq.
Ambassador Iwai thanked for the attendance of Iraqi representatives to “International Forum for Sports and Culture” hosted by the Government of Japan which was held in Tokyo this October. From his side, Minister Abtan has expressed his expectation on the further development of the sports exchange between the two countries toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
●Ambassador Iwai meets Mr. Saleem Al-Juburi, Speaker of the Council of the Representatives
On November 21 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a visit to Mr. Saleem Al-Juburi, Speaker of Council of the Representatives, and exchanged views on the bilateral relations and current situation in Iraq.
The Speaker stressed the importance of developing stronger relations with Japan, so that the people of Iraq can benefit from the experience of Japan that overcame difficulties after the WWII and succeeded in achieving economic prosperity.
The Ambassador, on his side, agreed on the point the Speaker made, and expressed his readiness to make his every effort to provide such occasions and further strengthen the friendly cooperative relationship between the two countries.
●Embassy of Japan in Iraq Condemns Terrorist Attack November 25, 2016
1. Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, strongly condemns the terrorist attacks on Thursday, November 24th in Shomali village near the city of Hilla, which caused many death and injuries.
2. “I feel strong indignation over this brutal and immoral act of terrorism against innocent citizens and pilgrims. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reasons,” Ambassador Iwai said. He expresses his sincere condolences to the victims and their families.
3. The Government of Japan supports the Government of Iraq in its fight against terrorism, and hopes that security and stability will prevail in all parts of the country through the efforts of the Government and people of Iraq.
●Ambassador Iwai meets with Judge Medhat Al-Mahmoud, Chief Justice of Iraq
On November 14 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a courtesy visit to Judge Medhat Al-Mahmoud, Chief Justice of Iraq, at his office in the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court. At this meeting, Ambassador Iwai was warmly welcomed by the Chief Justice, who has the experience of participating in the JICA Training Course in Japan during the late 1970s. Both sides exchanged views on the judicial situations both in Iraq and in Japan.
●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Dr Al-Jaafari, Minister of Foreign Affairs
On October 31, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a call to Dr Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including situations in Iraq and the Japan-Iraq relations. At this meeting, Ambassador Iwai offered his congratulations on the election of Iraq to the membership of United Nations Human Rights Council and explained Japan’s position of further continuing its support for the stabilization in Iraq, expressing his expectations for early completion of Mosul liberation operation. Both sides agreed on the importance of uniting Iraqi people’s effort for the stabilization of the country.
●Japanese Ambassador visited Najaf and Karbala
On October 25 to 27, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, visited Najaf and Karbala Governorates for the second time. Ambassador Iwai met with Governor of Najaf, H.E. Mr. Luay Al-Yassiri, and Governor of Karbala, H.E. Mr. Aqeel Al-Turaihi, and discussed issues of mutual interests including ways and means to enhance relations between Japan and these governorates.
Also, Ambassador Iwai gave a lecture at Kufa University in Arabic language under the title of “Japan’s post-war experience and the lessons learned”. In his lecture, Ambassador Iwai emphasized the importance of putting the interest of the state above any other interest with the spirit of citizenship, enduring difficulties with patience and uniting people’s efforts by raising examples from Japan’s experience in order to make the country better place for the next generations.
In addition, Ambassador Iwai paid courtesy visits to some religious figures and others and made a tour at Najaf International Airport.
●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Mr.Hakim Al-Zamili, Chairman of Security and Defesne Committee of CoR
On October 18, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a courtesy call to Mr. Hakim Al-Zamili, Chairman of Security and Defesne Committee of the Council of the Representatives of Iraq, at the CoR building in Baghdad, and exchanged views on various issues including situations in Iraq and the Japan-Iraq relations. At this meeting, Ambassador Iwai has expressed his expectation for the fast completion of operations to liberate Mosul which started on October 17. Ambassador Iwai also reiterated Japan’s position of continuing its support in the non-military fields including support for IDPs and improvement of people’s life, stressing that Japan’s contribution to Iraqi reconstruction amounts to 7.4 billion USD since 2003. It is also worth mentioning that Japan’s support for the humanitarian relief and stabilization since 2014 amounts to 242.5 million USD. Japanese Defense Attache to Iraq, Col.Daisuke Kadota (stationed at Kuwait), also joined this meeting.
●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Shaikh Dr Hamoudi, First Deputy Speaker of CoR
On September 27, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a call to Shaikh Dr Humam Hamoudi, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Representatives of Iraq, at the CoR building in Baghdad, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including situations in Iraq and the development of Japan-Iraq relations. At this meeting, both sides agreed on the importance of uniting Iraqi society’s effort for the stabilization of the country and the national reconciliation.
● Ambassador Iwai’s visit to Basra and Missan Governorates
Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, visited Basra and Missan Governorates on September 20 to 22.
In Basra Governorate, Ambassador Iwai met Governor of Basra, H.E. Dr. Majid Al-Nasrawy, and discussed the enhancement of relationship between Japan and Basra. Ambassador Iwai also visited Khor al-Zubair Fertilizer Plant. The Plant had been rehabilitated by the Japanese Yen Loan and the rehabilitation works were completed in May this year. The plant was originally built by a Japanese company in 80’s and currently this plant is the only fertilizer plant operating in Iraq. This project is also expected to almost double the production of fertilizer in comparison with 2004.
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●Ambassador Iwai’s meeting with Dr. Masum, President of Iraq
On September 19, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a call to H.E. Dr. Fuad Masum, President of the Republic of Iraq, at Salam Palace in Baghdad, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including situations in Iraq and Japan-Iraq relations.
At this meeting, Ambassador Iwai, expressing his expectations for early liberation of Mosul by the Iraqi Government, pointed out the importance of uniting Iraqi society’s efforts for the stabilization of the country and the national reconciliation.
Ambassador Iwai also reiterated Japan’s position of further continuing its support for the stabilization in Iraq, stressing that Japan’s support for the humanitarian relief and stabilization in Iraq amounts to 242.5 million US dollars since 2014.
●On September 6, 2016, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, paid a call to H.E. Dr. Saleem al-Jobouri, Speaker of the Council of Representatives (COR) of Iraq, at the Speaker’s office in the COR, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including situations in Iraq and Japan-Iraq relations.
At this meeting, Ambassador Iwai, expressing his expectations for an early liberation of Mosul, pointed out the importance of the stabilization of liberated areas and of the national reconciliation in Iraq.
Ambassador Iwai also reiterated Japan’s position of further continuing its support for the stabilization in Iraq, outlining Japan’s additional aid of 10 million US dollars for humanitarian relief and stabilization in Iraq, which was pledged at the “Conference in Support of Iraq” held on July 20, 2016, and has already been disbursed in full. With this additional aid, Japan’s support for the humanitarian relief and stabilization in Iraq amounts to 242.5 million US dollars since 2014.
●Japan Self Defence Forces Day Reception On 27 July 2016, The Embassy of Japan in Iraq held “The Reception for the 62nd Anniversary of the Establishment of the Japan Self Defence Forces”at the main hall of the Embassy, which was the first time in Iraq since Iraq War ended.
At the ceremony, after both Japanese and Iraqi anthems were played, Ambassador Iwai introduced Colonel Kadota, who was concurrently posted to Iraq last June. He also congratulated the great progress in the fight against ISIL/Daesh and expressed that Japan would keep providing Iraq with humanitarian and stabilization assistance.
The Reception was well attended by many from both the Iraqi government and diplomatic missions, including UNAMI SRSG, Mr. Jan Kubis and high level officials from Ministry of Defense.
●Iftar at the Embassy of Japan in Iraq
On 21 June, The Embassy of Japan in Iraq held Iftar, inviting Iraqi Government officials such as from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Although it was the first attempt for the Embassy in Iraq to hold Iftar, we received great appreciation from the participants and it became a successful gathering.
To all Iraqi people, we wish you a Happy Ramadan.
●Embassy of Japan in Iraq Condemns Terrorist Attacks May 18, 2016
1.On Wednesday, 17th May, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, condemns in the strongest terms the heinous and reiterated recent terrorist attacks, which targeted innocent citizens around the country, in particular in the capital, Baghdad, including the attacks in districts of Al-Sha’ab, Al-Rasheed and Al-Sadr City, which caused many deaths and injuries innocent citizens.
2.“These acts of terrorism cannot be justified for any reason.” Ambassador Iwai said. His Excellency offers sincere condolences and expresses his deepest sympathy to the families of the victims who have been killed in these attacks, and its sincere hope for early recovery of those injured in these attacks.
3.The Government of Japan supports the Government of Iraq in its fight against terrorism, and hopes that security and stability will prevail in all parts of the country through the efforts of the Government and people of Iraq.
●Conferral ceremony of Mr. Thamir Al Ghadhban
On May 17, 2016, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai held a conferral ceremony at the Governmental Palace in Baghdad, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Haidar Al-Abadi, Prime Minister of Iraq, to confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star upon Mr. Thamir Al Ghadhban, former Chairman of the Prime Minister Advisory Commission from His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito, in recognition of his contribution to developing economic relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Iraq.
●Ceremony for Books Donation to the College of Education for Women, Baghdad University
On May 12, 2016, Ambassador Fumio Iwai donated books on Japan to the College of Education for Women, Baghdad University, in a ceremony held at the College.
It is expected that donating the books on Japanese culture, history, economy and so on, will strengthen the students’ interest in Japan and will increase the number of students who will study about Japan in the future.
●A signing ceremony of the Exchange of Note on Development Policy and Financial Reform Loan
On 31st of March 2016, a signing ceremony of the Exchange of Note on “Development Policy and Financial Reform Loan” between H.E ambassador of Japan to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai and H.E. Minister of Finance, Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, had been held.
●Ambassador Iwai’s Lecture on the 5th Anniversary of Great East Earthquake
On 10 March, 2016, Ambassador Iwai gave a lecture, titled “Road to Recovery”on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The event was co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and Al-Naharain Center for Strategic Studies.
During the lecture, Ambassador Iwai explained, using video images, how Japan has recovered from the most catastrophic triple disaster of the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear accident, focusing on the economic and financial policies.
The lecture was well attended by Iraqi people, including former Minister of State, Dr. Qasem Daoud, the Counsellor of Minister's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hajj Hamoud, the Head of the Japanese Historical Studies Program at Baghdad University, Professor Mahmoud Al-Qaysi and other prominent people.
●Seminar for reporting “World Assembly for Women 2015”
On January 11, 2016, the Embassy of Japan and Al-Naharain Center for Strategic Studies co-hosted a seminar on “World Assembly for Women: WAW! 2015 in Tokyo”, inviting Ms. Hanaa Edwar, Co-Founder of Iraqi Al-Amal Association, who participated in that assembly held last summer as a speaker.
From Tokyo, Ms. Hiromi Otsuki, Principal Deputy Director, Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended this seminar.
At the seminar, Ms. Edwar reported the details of discussions at WAW! 2015, and Ms. Otsuki made a presentation on Japan’s initiative on empowering women.
The seminar was well attended by Iraqi people including representatives of NGOs and human rights activists.
●Opening Ceremony for‘Qiyam school’at the Embassy of Japan
On December 26, 2015, Ambassador Fumio Iwai held an opening ceremony of “Qiyam school”, which had opened last November, at the embassy of Japan in Iraq. This school is the first Iraqi elementary school adopting Japanese-style education, such as “moral class”and “Japanese language class”.
A large number of people attended this ceremony including teachers of the school and pupils as well as their families. There were many also news agencies to cover this important event.
Chairman of the school council mentioned during the ceremony that he would like to raise the generation which can rebuild Iraq and inherits the spirit of “harmony”and“team-work”, which characterizes the Japanese society.
●“Opening Ceremony of the Japanese Language Course”organized by Faculty of Arts, Baghdad University
On December 24, 2015, Ambassador Fumio Iwai attended an“Opening Ceremony of the Japanese Language Course”organized by Faculty of Arts, Baghdad University. This Language Course is one of the Second Foreign Languge Courses in Department of English Literature.
A large number of people attended this ceremony including President of Mustansiriya University., Dean of Faculty of Arts of Baghdad University., and students of this brand-new Japanese Course. Also, there were many news media to cover this important event.
After the ceremony, Ambassador Iwai visited a Japanese class. During the class, Iraqi students introduced themselves in Japanese and showed their beautiful calligraphy.
●Ambassador Iwai presents his credentials to the President of Iraq
On October 19, 2015, Ambassador Fumio Iwai who arrived at Iraq on October 13, presented his credentials to the President of Iraq, H.E. Dr. Fuad Masum. Ambassador Iwai discussed with the President Masum the ways to enhance the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iraq.
(Photo: The Iraqi Presidency)
●Ambassador Iwai presents the copy of his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq
On October 19, 2015, Ambassador Fumio Iwai who arrived at Iraq on October 13, presented the copy of his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Ambassador Iwai discussed with H.E. FM Dr. Jaafari the ways to enhance the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iraq.
(photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq)
