Greetings of Ambassador Endo
2025/1/29
January 2025
I am Akira ENDO, and I am honored to serve as the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq. I started in this position on December 2, 2024, and on January 7, 2025, I presented my credentials to His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq. It is a deeply meaningful moment for me to return to Iraq – a country I consider a second home – especially during its transformative journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity.
This is my fourth posting in Iraq, a nation I have witnessed persevering and rising through its most challenging times. My first engagement here was in 2004 when I worked at the Japanese Government Liaison Office as the Japan Self-Defense Forces were carrying out reconstruction assistance in Samawah, Muthanna Governorate. In 2009, I worked at the Embassy of Japan in Baghdad as Iraq embarked on nation-building efforts following years of instability. In 2017, I once again witnessed Iraq’s resilience as it moved towards reconstruction after the Iraqi people had defeated the so-called "Islamic State." Each assignment deepened my respect for Iraq’s remarkable determination and the progress it continues to achieve. Now, as I fondly recall those days, I am keenly aware of the changing times and look forward to the next chapter in Iraq.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq stretches back over 80 years, beginning in 1939. Over these decades, our countries have forged a strong partnership rooted in trust, respect, and shared aspirations. Today, our cooperation encompasses a broad range of sectors, underscoring the importance of this enduring relationship.
Since 2003, the Japanese government and people have stood by the Iraqi people who have overcome many difficult situations, extending comprehensive support for reconstruction efforts aimed at building the nation’s foundations. Our collaboration spans critical areas, including oil, electricity, water and sewerage, agriculture, medical and health care, and education. To date, Japan has provided over 20 billion US dollars in assistance, enabling initiatives that contribute to Iraq’s recovery, stability, and development. I believe that through these efforts, we will nurture a brighter future for every Iraqi citizen.
Beyond development assistance, the economic relationship between our two nations continues to flourish. Iraq is endowed with abundant natural resources and a growing population of over 45 million, positioning it as a market of tremendous potential across various industries. Japan’s economic partnership with Iraq dates back to the 1980s, and many Iraqis still hold fond memories of Japanese products and technologies from that period. I am eager to promote greater Japanese business engagement in Iraq to strengthen our mutual economic ties further.
As a country situated at the heart of the Middle East, Iraq is critical to regional stability and plays a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security. For Japan, Iraq represents not only a key partner in maintaining regional equilibrium but also an indispensable friend for advancing international peace and prosperity. As I begin this new chapter, I am excited to continue engaging with the remarkable people of Iraq, and I am determined to do my utmost to further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Iraq during this historic and important period of Iraq's peaceful development. Building on the decades of trust and friendship that define our relationship, we can chart a course toward shared progress, unlocking the full potential of what this partnership can achieve in the years to come.
Akira ENDO
Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq
I am Akira ENDO, and I am honored to serve as the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq. I started in this position on December 2, 2024, and on January 7, 2025, I presented my credentials to His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq. It is a deeply meaningful moment for me to return to Iraq – a country I consider a second home – especially during its transformative journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity.
This is my fourth posting in Iraq, a nation I have witnessed persevering and rising through its most challenging times. My first engagement here was in 2004 when I worked at the Japanese Government Liaison Office as the Japan Self-Defense Forces were carrying out reconstruction assistance in Samawah, Muthanna Governorate. In 2009, I worked at the Embassy of Japan in Baghdad as Iraq embarked on nation-building efforts following years of instability. In 2017, I once again witnessed Iraq’s resilience as it moved towards reconstruction after the Iraqi people had defeated the so-called "Islamic State." Each assignment deepened my respect for Iraq’s remarkable determination and the progress it continues to achieve. Now, as I fondly recall those days, I am keenly aware of the changing times and look forward to the next chapter in Iraq.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and Iraq stretches back over 80 years, beginning in 1939. Over these decades, our countries have forged a strong partnership rooted in trust, respect, and shared aspirations. Today, our cooperation encompasses a broad range of sectors, underscoring the importance of this enduring relationship.
Since 2003, the Japanese government and people have stood by the Iraqi people who have overcome many difficult situations, extending comprehensive support for reconstruction efforts aimed at building the nation’s foundations. Our collaboration spans critical areas, including oil, electricity, water and sewerage, agriculture, medical and health care, and education. To date, Japan has provided over 20 billion US dollars in assistance, enabling initiatives that contribute to Iraq’s recovery, stability, and development. I believe that through these efforts, we will nurture a brighter future for every Iraqi citizen.
Beyond development assistance, the economic relationship between our two nations continues to flourish. Iraq is endowed with abundant natural resources and a growing population of over 45 million, positioning it as a market of tremendous potential across various industries. Japan’s economic partnership with Iraq dates back to the 1980s, and many Iraqis still hold fond memories of Japanese products and technologies from that period. I am eager to promote greater Japanese business engagement in Iraq to strengthen our mutual economic ties further.
As a country situated at the heart of the Middle East, Iraq is critical to regional stability and plays a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security. For Japan, Iraq represents not only a key partner in maintaining regional equilibrium but also an indispensable friend for advancing international peace and prosperity. As I begin this new chapter, I am excited to continue engaging with the remarkable people of Iraq, and I am determined to do my utmost to further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Iraq during this historic and important period of Iraq's peaceful development. Building on the decades of trust and friendship that define our relationship, we can chart a course toward shared progress, unlocking the full potential of what this partnership can achieve in the years to come.
Akira ENDO
Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq