In a video message on Monday, Japan’s new Consul in Erbil Hitoshi Ishizuka underlined that he looks to further deepen the relationship between Japan and the Kurdistan Region during his tenure.

“I’m very happy to be here in this region,” he said. “My mission here is to build bridges between our people, our cultures, and our economies.

“I look forward to deepening the relationship and the cooperation between Japan and the Kurdistan Region.”

Read More: INTERVIEW | Japan’s Role in Kurdistan’s Development

Japan has strong bilateral relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Japan recognized the Iraqi Interim Government in 2004, and opened a consular office in Erbil in 2017.

Since then, Japan has played a key role in supporting infrastructure development and capacity building in the Kurdistan Region, such as upgrading the water supply network and providing technical assistance.

For instance, Japanese experts are working with the Kurdistan Agriculture Research Center to identify exportable agricultural products. Additionally, training programs have been launched for antiquities experts to help preserve cultural heritage. Japan is also exploring initiatives to boost tourism in coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Directorate General of Antiquities and Heritage. Moreover, Japan International Cooperation Agency financed and oversaw the completion of the Deralok Dam project in Duhok Governorate.