Japan To Help Iraq In Oil Industry Reconstruction

Japanese industry minister Akira Amari and Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani agreed Wednesday during the Japanese minister’s surprise visit to Baghdad that the two countries will cooperate in the reconstruction of Iraq’s oil industry. Amari and al-Shahristani also shared their concerns over high oil prices.

‘‘The two countries confirmed that rebuilding the oil industry and increasing output are important for the stability of crude oil prices, and Japan is ready to fully cooperate to that end,’’ Amari, minister of economy, trade and industry, told reporters after his meetings with top Iraqi officials. The Japanese minister also met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Amari and al-Shahristani said in a joint statement that Japan and Iraq will strengthen cooperation in a wide range of economic fields centering on the energy sector.