MOFA: Iraqi-Japanese political dialogue, 8th round discussed strengthening cooperation

INA - BAGHDAD

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - MOFA announced that the eighth round of political dialogue between Iraq and Japan witnessed a discussion of strengthening bilateral cooperation at all levels.

Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations, Muhammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloum, chaired the eighth round meeting of the political dialogue between Iraq and Japan, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, said the ministry's spokesman, Ahmed Al-Sahhaf, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

During the meeting, the most important conditions were discussed, as well as internal politics in Iraq and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Japan at all political, economic and security levels.

Al-Sahhaf stated that "the two sides exchanged views on a number of current regional and international issues, including the negotiations conducted by Group 15 regarding the re-implementation of the Iranian nuclear agreement and views on developments in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict," noting that "the two sides stressed the need to intensify negotiations to expedite an end to this conflict."

"The Iraqi government is continuing to implement its governmental program that includes reforming the financial and economic sectors, improving services, combating administrative and financial corruption in accordance with the approved timetables," said Bahr al-Uloom said, according to the statement, noting "Iraq's aspiration for Japan's support for the Iraqi government's efforts."

He stressed "the importance of the dialogues that the two sides are conducting to complete signing a number of agreements related to oil industries and areas of management and liquidation, as the Iraqi government is keen to stabilize the situation in Iraq and in the Middle East region, for it has launched many initiatives of economic cooperation between the countries of the region," pointing out, "the pioneering role of Iraq in the return of Saudi-Iranian relations and the return of Syria to its seat in the Arab League, in addition to the results and recommendations of Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in its first and second editions."

In turn, Japanese Assistant Foreign Minister Kansuke Nagaoka stressed, according to the statement, Japan's keenness to exchange views on political issues of common concern, appreciating Iraq's pioneering role.