Seminar on National Reconciliation of Iraq (Talks with Foreign Minister Aso)

April 3, 2007

1. The Government of Japan recently invited 13 members of the Iraqi delegation comprising parliamentarians and other influential persons headed by Mr. Akram al-Hakim, Minister of the National Reconciliation, to hold a Seminar on National Reconciliation of Iraq. On March 30 (Fri), the last day of the Seminar, the delegation issued the attached press statement(PDF).

2. The delegation had talks with Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, for about 30 minutes from 17:50 on March 30 (Fri). The outline of the talks is as follows:

(1) Mr. Aso stated as follows:

“The Government of Japan welcomes your visit to Japan at a time when Iraq is in such a difficult situation. To make a breakthrough in this difficult situation, it is important for the Iraqi Government to take security measures and make efforts for national reconciliation. Although nobody but the Iraqi people can solve Iraq’s problems, the Government of Japan held this Seminar while wishing to contribute to solving these problems. If it did, we are very honored.”

(2) Mr. Akram al-Hakim said as follows:

“We are very grateful to the Government of Japan for holding the Seminar. We had a wonderful visit and a seminar. Our visit to Hiroshima was also impressive. We have learned a lot from Japan’s experiences. We will make use of what we have learned in Japan for Iraq. As Iraqis know a success of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces’ activities in Samawah, they wish Japan to make a proactive contribution to such issues as national reconciliation and economic rehabilitation. Because we found the Seminar very significant this time, we wish the Government of Japan to hold this seminar regularly.”

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