Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > October, 2004

Governor of Al-Muthanna Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Tuesday, October 5, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from Mr. Mohammad Ali-Hassan, the Governor of Al-Muthanna in Iraq, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Japan is currently dispatching its Ground Self-Defense Force and, following the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Samawah office, is providing humanitarian assistance by the Self-Defense Forces as well as assistance through the Japanese government's Official Development Assistance (ODA) which are serving as the "two wheels on the axle" of Japan's assistance to the Governorate of Al-Muthanna in Iraq. Upon visiting the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Governor Ali-Hassan expressed his words of appreciation by saying, "The Self-Defense Forces are contributing to the stability in Samawah through implementation of various projects." Prime Minister Koizumi responded to this by saying, "The stability in Iraq is vital to the world as well. I wish for Japan to continue its contribution in this aspect."