PM Barzani, Japan's CG Ishizuka Highlight Shared Commitment to Progress, Partnership
PM Barzani extended his gratitude to the government of Japan and particularly to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their longstanding role in supporting critical infrastructure and development initiatives in the Kurdistan Region.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a display of diplomatic continuity and mutual goodwill, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday welcomed Hitoshi Ishizuka, the newly appointed head of the Consular Office of Japan in Erbil, signaling a renewed phase in the growing relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) released an official statement confirming that the meeting, held on May 10, 2025, underscored the shared commitment to advancing bilateral ties across diverse sectors. Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Ishizuka on assuming his new role and expressed full support for his diplomatic mission in the Region.
In his remarks, PM Barzani extended his gratitude to the government of Japan and particularly to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their longstanding role in supporting critical infrastructure and development initiatives in the Kurdistan Region. From post-conflict reconstruction to technical training programs, JICA's contributions have left a lasting imprint on local communities and institutions.
For his part, Consul General Ishizuka reaffirmed Japan’s strong desire to further strengthen ties with the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that his diplomatic mandate will focus not only on expanding governmental cooperation but also on deepening people-to-people connections and enhancing economic, cultural, and educational exchanges.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday welcomed Hitoshi Ishizuka, the newly appointed head of the Consular Office of Japan in Erbil, signaling a renewed phase in the growing relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region. pic.twitter.com/FjCTn8Q4f4
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) May 10, 2025
Earlier in the week, Ishizuka had introduced himself to the public in a video message posted to the official Facebook page of the Consular Office of Japan in Erbil. Speaking in English and greeting the audience in Kurdish, he stated:
“Slaw, my name is Ishizuka. I'm a new consul of Japan in Erbil. I'm very happy to be here in this beautiful region, historical place of Erbil. My mission here is to build bridges between our people, our cultures, and our economies. I look forward to deepening the relationship and cooperation between Japan and the Kurdistan Region. My door is always open. And I am eager to listen, learn, and work together. I look forward to meeting many of you during my mission here. Zor supas.”
This latest diplomatic engagement comes as part of a broader strategy by the KRG to strengthen international partnerships, especially with nations that have demonstrated long-term commitment to the Region’s stability and development. Japan has consistently been among those key partners.
With Hitoshi Ishizuka now at the helm of Japan’s consular presence in Erbil, both governments are poised to explore new opportunities in trade, technology, humanitarian aid, and cultural diplomacy—building on a solid foundation of trust and mutual respect.
