Japan-Iraq Relations
Japan-Iraq Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 21, 2021
On August 21th, commencing at 11:50 a.m. (local time, 05:50 p.m. Japan time) for 80 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Fuad HUSSEIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq during his visit to Iraq. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Motegi stated that it is a pleasure to visit Iraq as it is the first time in 15 years for the Foreign Minister of Japan to visit Iraq and the first time since 2003 from his last visit as Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. Further, he stated that Japan places great importance on realizing the stability of Iraq and has consistently supported Iraq's nation-building efforts since 2003, and, he mentioned that Japan decided to provide necessary supplies for holding the parliamentary election of Iraq this month. He also stated that he would like to continue to develop the bilateral relations between Japan and Iraq in a wide range or areas, which celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019. In response, Minister Hussein said that he welcomed Minister Motegi's visit to Iraq, and thanked Japan for its support, and stated that we would like to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
- Minister Motegi announced that the Government of Japan intends to extend the "Basrah Refinery Upgrading Project (Phase 3)" Yen loan project (up to the amount of 32.7 billion yen), and expressed his hopes that this project would contribute to providing the stable supply of energy and to creating jobs in Iraq. In response, Minister Hussein expressed his gratitude. Both sides also exchanged views on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and means to improve the business and investment environment in Iraq.
- Minister Motegi explained Japan's efforts toward the realization of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and stated that he was confident that the principles set out in the vision would contribute to the development of the Middle East. In response, Minister Hussein said [that he agrees on the importance of the rule of law set out in FOIP.
- Both Ministers also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan as well as the situation in the East Asia including China and North Korea, and Minister Motegi called for understanding and cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue, and obtained support from Minister Hussein.