Masum Meets Japanese Ambassador, Confirms Keenness Of The Iraqi Forces To Protect Civilians

BAGHDAD / NINA / The President of the Republic, Fuad Masum said progress of the ongoing military operations is moving on a regular basis and Iraqi forces are keen to protect civilians and opening safe corridors for their exit. During a meeting at the Salam (Peace) Palace in Baghdad today with the Japanese Ambassador Fumio Iwai, according to a presidential statement, Masum pointed to the most important political and security issues, particularly the victories achieved in the city of Fallujah. He praised "the Japanese government's interest in Iraq and increasing its support to the Iraqi people on the level of financial aid and help the displaced, economic development and human resources development, asking Ambassador to pass his great gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister Shizu Abe on this noble attitudes toward the Iraqis, reiterating the need for joint action in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as take advantage of Japanese expertise in various areas. In turn, the Japanese ambassador stressed, during the meeting, the importance of efforts to develop the relations of friendship between the two parties, referring to the initiative launched by the Japanese Prime Minister ahead of the summit of the seven industrialized countries, held in Japan today, which will include the provision of a new package of aid to some Middle East countries, particularly Iraq. Ambassador also expressed his congratulations to the President on military victories achieved by the Iraqis against Daash terrorist in Fallujah, hoping to achieve complete victory over terrorism and liberate every inch of Iraqi territory. / End