President, deputy discuss economic ties with Japan

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal al-Talabani and his deputy Tareq al-Hashemi have separately met with Japanese officials to tackle economic relations between the two countries. “On Wednesday, Talabani received in his Baghdad-based office the former Japanese prime minister and the special representative of the current premier, Shinzo Abe, and his accompanying delegation,” according to a presidential statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The delegation’s visit to Iraq expresses Japan’s interest in boosting mutual relations,” the statement quoted Talabani as saying. Hashemi has also received the Japanese official and discussed with him the partnership agreement signed between the two countries, according to another statement received by the agency. SS (P)/SR 1