Thursday, September 25, 2008
Japan-Republic of Iraq Summit Meeting
Photograph of the Japan-Republic of Iraq Summit Meeting
At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Aso said, "Although we did not have the chance to meet when I visited Baghdad in August 2006 as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, I am happy to meet you on this occasion." In response, President Talabani said, "I, too, am happy to see that someone who has made the utmost efforts to strengthen relations with Iraq has been promoted. Congratulations on assuming the post of Prime Minister."
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the situation in Iraq is improving, to which President Talabani completely agreed. President Talabani stated that the room for terrorism in Iraq is narrowing and that Iraqi authorities are exercising sufficient control over terrorists. He further indicated that economic conditions are also improving, with the prospect that this year's national income will be three times larger than that of the previous year, and that he seeks Japan's participation in utilizing the fund. In response, Prime Minister Aso said that Japan will continue its assistance to Iraq. President Talabani also expressed his appreciation of the assistance by the Self-Defense Forces, and his expectations for activities by Japanese companies, indicating the intention to provide as much assistance as possible to them.
Prime Minister Aso conveyed to President Talabani Japan's intention of considering completing the transportation activity of the Air Self-Defense Force in Iraq by around the end of this year. To this, President Talabani expressed his understanding of the Japanese Government's decision and once again stated his appreciation of the Self-Defense Forces' assistance. He said that going forward he would seek to enhance Iraq's relations with Japan in areas such as the economy.
Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan is eager to develop relations with Iraq in the areas of the economy and business from a long-term perspective, given the economic and socio development of Iraq, and that he hopes that Japanese companies will move into the area of oil as well. To this, President Talabani stated that he acknowledges Japan's advanced technologies in the area of oil, among other areas, and said that he would like to enhance relations with Japan by such means as asking Japanese experts to be dispatched to Iraq to have consultations with officials at the Ministry of Oil.
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