Iraq PM Aziz receives official invitation to visit Tokyo from Japanese counterpart

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Aziz on Monday received an official invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Tokyo, according to a statement from Aziz's office. The invitation was delivered in person by Japan's Ambassador to Baghdad, Akihiro Endo, during a meeting with the Iraqi premier. Aziz welcomed the invitation and pointed to the depth of Iraqi-Japanese relations, expressing his government's commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in investment and economic sectors. He said Iraq places significant importance on building sustainable economic partnerships and broadening joint work in energy, technology and development, inviting Japanese companies to invest across various Iraqi development sectors. Ambassador Endo conveyed Japan's determination to strengthen its partnership and cooperation with Iraq, stating that the visit would mark an important step in advancing bilateral ties and open new avenues for collaboration in economic and investment fields. He also noted that under Iraq's new government, the country has shown economic growth and an improving investment environment, supported by security and economic stability, anti-corruption measures and investment-friendly policies. No date has been announced for the visit. Both sides described the invitation as an opportunity to deepen bilateral engagement across economic, energy and development sectors.