Japan’s outgoing ambassador hails improved ties with Kurdistan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Futoshi Matsumoto, the outgoing ambassador of Japan to Iraq, on Friday said he took significant steps to bolster Tokyo-Erbil trade relations during his two-year tenure. 

“We have made significant efforts to strengthen our bilateral relations. During my visit to Erbil, I completely engaged with businessmen and politicians to enhance trade. I had the opportunity to establish various relationships between Kurdish and Japanese companies,” Matsumoto told Rudaw on the sidelines of a farewell event arranged for him in Erbil.

“These relationships have resulted in positive developments, and now there is real and direct business being conducted. Step by step, we are seeing improvements in our relationships until we reach the large goal,” he added. 

Senior Kurdish officials attended the event, with a delegation from the Kurdistan Region Presidency praising the ambassador’s efforts to boost ties with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, according to a statement from the presidency. 

Matsumoto said he will leave Baghdad on November 16.

“I have enjoyed my time with all my friends, especially my Kurdish friends in Erbil, Sulaimani, and all the other provinces of Kurdistan. Additionally, I have established a good friendship in Baghdad. I truly feel sad when I think about bidding farewell,” he said. 

Mustafa Gorran contributed to this article.