Kurdish leaders on Tuesday met Japan’s new Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, and discussed strengthening the relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region.

Ambassador Endo posted on X that he was honored to meet President Masoud Barzani on Tuesday. “We discussed the current status of the relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region as well as the situation surrounding the Region.”

Furthermore, Ambassador Endo also confirmed he had a meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

On 25 February, I was honored to meet with His Excellency Mr. Masoud Barzani, the President of KDP. We discussed the current status of the relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region as well as the situation surrounding the Region. pic.twitter.com/HCmwnaw1zc

— Akira Endo ???? (@JAPANAmbIRAQ) February 26, 2025

“We discussed the ways to further strengthen relationship between Japan and Kurdistan Region. Also I conveyed to His Excellency the President that I was really pleased to be back in Erbil after 6 years, and to see the development of the city,” he posted on X.

Also on February 23, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) headed by Hiroshi Suzuki, the director of JICA’s office in Iraq.

According to the KRG readout, during the meeting discussions were held on strengthening cooperation and coordination, particularly in the field of education.

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In this regard, Prime Minister Barzani’s proposal for the Kurdistan Region to benefit from Japan’s educational system and experience was discussed, with the aim to cultivate a generation that is disciplined, responsible, productive, and innovative, one that respects society, parents, teachers, and the environment.

The JICA delegation expressed their appreciation for Prime Minister Barzani’s proposal and affirmed their readiness to provide all the necessary support.