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Assistance for the International Friendly Football Match between Japanese and Iraqi National Football Teams

(Summary)

1. Summary

On February 12, an international friendly football match was held between the Japanese and Iraqi national football teams, hosted by the Japan Football Association (JFA). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) provided a subsidy of approximately 10 million yen for the traveling expenses of the Iraqi national team through the Japan Foundation. Such assistance was made in the concept of conducting reconstruction assistance to Iraq with the public and private sectors working together.

2. Date and Venue

Date: February 12 (Thursday) 19:20 kickoff
Venue: National Kasumigaoka Stadium, Tokyo, Japan

3. Day of the Match

(1) In commemoration of the match, footballs symbolizing the spirit of friendship of the people of Japan were presented by senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ichiro Aisawa to the Vice-President of the Iraqi Football Association Ahmed Radhi.

(2) The match took place in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado as the guest of honor, and Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aisawa.

4. Publicity

  • A message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi commemorating the friendly football match was released.

  • Messages on assistance to Iraq [PDF] were posted on the electronic billboard at the stadium.

  • The Government of Japan provided assistance for the Iraqi Media Network (IMN) to conduct live broadcasting of the friendly football match so that as many people of Iraq as possible would be able to watch the game. The GOJ also provided coverage assistance to Lebanon-based Future Satellite TV which was visiting Japan on the day at the invitation of MOFA.

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