Japanese Ambassador: The Memorandum of Understanding with Iraq paves the way for economic integration between the two countries.
The Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, affirmed today, Sunday, that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iraq will contribute to strengthening relations between the private sectors of the two countries, Japan and Iraq. In his speech following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iraq and Japan on (developing educational programs and proceeding with projects in the fields of technology, engineering, mathematics and arts), Endo expressed his “happiness to celebrate this valuable moment in the journey of Japanese-Iraqi friendship and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Gakken Holding Company and the Iraq Development Fund (IDF).”
He added, “We have noticed an improvement in the political, economic, and security situation, as Iraq enjoys stability under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The Iraqi government is pursuing a balanced diplomacy aimed at building good relations with neighboring and regional countries, and a diplomacy of economic partnerships aimed at strengthening economic relations.” He expressed Japan’s appreciation for these efforts by the Iraqi government.
He continued, “Since 2003, the Japanese government has implemented an aid program with grants worth approximately $2.8 billion to rebuild living infrastructure, such as schools, in addition to $11.5 billion in yen loans to rehabilitate and develop infrastructure, such as electricity, water, sanitation, and oil.”
He also stated that “Japan has become one of the leading donors of official development assistance to Iraq in recent years,” noting that “Japan has consistently provided support to the Iraqi people to help them continue their journey toward a brighter future, by supporting their efforts in nation-building, economic reconstruction, and development alongside the Iraqi people.”
The Japanese ambassador also explained that the Iraq Development Fund highlighted the areas of education, agriculture, housing, digital transformation, manufacturing, food security, and the environment, noting that the Iraqi government has prioritized these areas under the leadership of the Sudanese Prime Minister.
He also explained that “Gakken has been one of the leading Japanese companies since its founding in 1946. Over the course of nearly 80 years, it has contributed to the overall reconstruction of the country by enhancing the academic capabilities and social skills of all Japanese citizens, especially in the field of science.” He expressed his hope that “Gakken’s expertise in Iraqi educational fields will be employed to enhance the development of human resources that will lead Iraq’s future industries, which will contribute to the country’s reconstruction and economic development after the war.”
He continued, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Gakken and the Iraq Development Fund (IDF) is a very important and timely event that will contribute to strengthening relations between the private sectors in Japan and Iraq in terms of information exchange, support, promotion, and coordination of businesses.”
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