Iraq keen to develop relations with Japan- PM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Sunday said that Iraq is keen to develop its relations with Japan in different fields, adding that Japanese companies enjoy a “good reputation” in Iraqi markets. The remark was made during Maliki’s reception of a Japanese official from the reconstruction department in Iraq, representatives of the Japanese ministries of foreign affairs, trade and industry and of 12 giant companies, according to a statement released by Maliki’s office and received by IraqiNews.com news agency. Maliki praised the role played by the Japanese self-defense forces in maintaining security and stability in Muthanna province, which he said reflected the determination of the Japanese people to help Iraqis in their fight against terrorism. SS (P) 1