Iraqi Prime Minister Invited to Tokyo as Japan Seeks Deeper Economic Ties
Baghdad says proposed visit would advance cooperation with Japan in investment, energy, technology and development
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has received an official invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Tokyo, as Baghdad and Tokyo seek to expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in investment, energy and economic development.
The invitation was delivered Monday by Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Akira Endo during a meeting with Zaidi, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), which cited a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's Media Office.
Endo conveyed Tokyo's invitation and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Iraq, the statement said.
Focus on investment and development
Zaidi welcomed the invitation and described relations between Iraq and Japan as "deep and important," according to the statement.
The Iraqi prime minister said Baghdad wants to develop the relationship across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on investment and the economy. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable economic partnerships involving energy, technology and development.
"Iraq places great importance on building sustainable economic partnerships," Zaidi said, according to the statement, adding that cooperation in these fields could contribute to developing a more effective economic model.
He also called on Japanese companies to expand their presence in Iraq and invest in a broader range of development projects.
The proposed visit would provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss investment opportunities and ways to increase private-sector cooperation, as Baghdad seeks to diversify its economy and attract international capital.
Japan signals confidence in Iraq
Endo said the invitation reflected the importance Tokyo attaches to strengthening bilateral relations.
The Japanese ambassador described Zaidi's potential visit as "a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations" and said it could open wider opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the economic and investment sectors.
According to INA, Endo also said Iraq is experiencing economic growth and an improving investment environment under its new government.
He attributed what he described as the improving climate to greater security and economic stability, government measures against corruption and policies aimed at encouraging development and attracting investment.
The remarks come as Iraq continues efforts to reduce its dependence on oil revenues by expanding investment and developing other sectors of the economy.
Longstanding partnership
Japan has maintained close economic and development ties with Iraq, including support for infrastructure and development projects over the years. The two countries have also cooperated in areas including energy and reconstruction.
For Baghdad, strengthening relations with Japan could provide access to Japanese investment, technology and expertise as the government seeks to advance its economic development plans.
No date was announced for Zaidi's proposed visit to Tokyo. The invitation nevertheless signals a push by both governments to broaden their relationship beyond traditional government-to-government cooperation and toward a wider economic partnership.