Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, affirmed on Monday that Iraq is currently experiencing its most stable security situation in the past twenty years. He also revealed plans to establish a “Japanese Village” in the city of Mosul.

Speaking during Japan’s National Day celebrations, Ambassador Endo stated that Iraq has made significant progress toward peace and stability. He emphasized that Japan, as a longstanding friend of Iraq, has supported the country’s efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous society and continues to contribute to reconstruction and economic development as one of Iraq’s largest donors. He noted that Japan’s support focuses on long-term strategic projects, including power plants and water infrastructure.

Ambassador Endo highlighted the completion of the Basra Refinery Development Project last year, describing it as the largest project financed by a Japanese yen loan in the Middle East. He expressed pride in welcoming Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to the project’s inauguration ceremony.

He also pointed to the Iraqi government’s aspirations to strengthen the oil sector and announced plans to establish a “Japanese Village” in Mosul through a public-private partnership. The initiative aims to support housing solutions and the reintegration of displaced persons affected by conflict, as well as returnees from Syria.

The ambassador noted that Iraq has reached an important historical milestone through its national elections and expressed Japan’s hope for the smooth and stable formation of a government that reflects the will of the Iraqi people. He reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to continue supporting Iraq’s journey toward stability, prosperity, and peace.

Ambassador Endo reiterated that the current security environment is the most stable Iraq has witnessed in two decades, attributing this achievement to the efforts of Iraq’s leadership and people. He emphasized Japan’s willingness to support Iraq’s transition from reconstruction to economic growth, particularly through infrastructure development and human resource capacity building.

He further stated that interest from Japanese companies in the Iraqi market continues to grow annually, especially in the automotive, machinery, infrastructure, and consumer goods sectors. These companies are seeking partnerships with local firms and participation in new investment projects that contribute to the development of Iraq’s economy and industry.

Finally, Ambassador Endo noted that the Japanese Embassy provides various forms of support to Japanese companies looking to establish or expand their operations in Iraq, with the aim of building sustainable and long-term economic relations with the Iraqi people.

He emphasized "the strength of relations between Japan and Iraq throughout history through cultural and people-to-people exchanges," expressing "his confidence that this will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries."