Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Japan’s new ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, and his accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Iwai congratulated the people and the Government of Kurdistan Region on the liberation of Shingal, saying that Japan respects and values the Kurdistan Region as it has been successful in preserving stability in the current difficult situation.

Ambassador Iwai reiterated that the Japanese Government will continue its humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons, IDPs, that will be delivered to Iraq in the near future.

He said that after the liberation of Iraq in 2003, the Government of Japan had allocated seven billion dollars for reconstruction and the share of the Kurdistan Region has been preserved, which will be applied to Halabja water projects, Erbil wastewater project, and the Deralok Dam project.

Ambassador Iwai expressed his and his government’s support to the Kurdistan Regional Government, its development policies, and assistance to IDPs.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and allocation of funds for important projects in the Kurdistan Region.

The situation of the Kurdistan Region in general, on the frontline in the war against ISIS, as well as the political situation in Iraq were also discussed in the meeting.