Japanese ambassador discusses educational cooperation with PM Barzani   

Discussing the ongoing Erbil-Baghdad issues, the envoy said his country supports “peaceful negotiations” between the two sides.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Futoshi Matsumoto, Nov. 29, 2023. (Photo: Futoshi Matsumoto/X)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Futoshi Matsumoto, Nov. 29, 2023. (Photo: Futoshi Matsumoto/X)

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Japanese envoy to Iraq on Tuesday discussed introducing his country’s education system into the Kurdistan Region schools in a meeting with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, as part of Erbil-Tokyo cooperation, according to a statement. 

Ambassador Futoshi Matsumoto and Barzani discussed “a couple of good ideas” in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, including “introduction of Japanese education system to Kurdish schools, upgrading Erbil Sewage and also strengthening more business exchange,” according to a post the diplomat shared on X account on Wednesday morning.

The Asian diplomat said he had promised the premier his “best efforts” to support the Kurdish leader’s endeavor “in supporting his endeavor to further develop and strengthen Kurdistan”.

Discussing the ongoing Erbil-Baghdad issues, the envoy said his country supports “peaceful negotiations” between the two sides, including the budgetary issues. 

Barzani and Matsumoto on Tuesday similarly attended the Alumni Association of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s flagship development agency, in Erbil, where the organization’s activities were highlighted.

The premier extended his gratitude to the Japanese people and government for the support they had provided to Kurdistan Region through JICA, whose projects include sewage and water treatment as well as capacity-building training for civil servants.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan 24, aired on Tuesday night, the ambassador highlighted several areas of cooperation between Erbil and Tokyo.

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