Japan’s outgoing Ambassador to Iraq Futoshi Matsumoto paid a farewell visit on Saturday to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and President Masoud Barzani, praising President Barzani’s leadership as head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

“This morning I visited Kak Masoud Barzani, President of KDP, to bid a farewell and had a very warm exchange of views on the long history of struggles of Kurdish people, as well as deepening relations between Japan and Kurdistan,” Ambassador Matsumoto wrote on X.

This morning I visited Kak Masoud Barzani, President of KDP to bid a farewell and had a very warm exchange of views on a long history of struggles of Kurdish people as well as deepening relations between Japan and Kurdistan. I conveyed my sincere wishes to his continued strong… pic.twitter.com/BCQljfWJMZ

— Futoshi Matsumoto ???? (@JAPANAmbIRAQ) November 9, 2024

“I conveyed my sincere wishes to his continued strong leadership for the sake of stability of Kurdistan. Long live Kurdistan and Kak Masoud!”

According to a readout from the Barzani headquarters, the ambassador expressed his admiration for the struggles and sacrifices of the Kurdish people in their quest for freedom.

He also highly praised President Barzani’s role in the various stages of Kurdistan’s struggle and the political process in both Iraq and Kurdistan.

The two officials also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and friendship between the Kurdish and Japanese peoples.

I also had a wonderful exchange with Kak Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the KRG on a great potential of further cooperation particularly in business and education between Japan and Kurdistan. I congratulated also on successful conclusion of the Kurdistan elections and wished… pic.twitter.com/viKqiXJxnZ

— Futoshi Matsumoto ???? (@JAPANAmbIRAQ) November 9, 2024

“I also had a wonderful exchange with Kak Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the KRG on a great potential of further cooperation particularly in business and education between Japan and Kurdistan,” he posted on X, referring to a separate meeting with Prime Minister Barzani.

“I congratulated him on the successful conclusion of the Kurdistan elections and wished for a harmonious formation of the new KRG without delay. I conveyed to Kak Masrour Barzani my deepest gratitude for our personal friendship and cooperation during my tenure. I will miss you, Kak Masrour, and all the people of Kurdistan!”

According to a readout from the KRG, Prime Minister Barzani thanked Ambassador Matsumoto for his work to develop bilateral relations. He also expressed his appreciation for the projects undertaken by  the Japan International Cooperation Agency in the Kurdistan Region.