On 17/04/2011, Dr. Ali Sindi, KRG Minister of Planning, received the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Security mission while visiting Kurdistan Region to update the overall security situation. The head of the security mission, Mr. Masaaki Matsushima, stated that they are impressed with the good security and political stability the Kurdistan Region enjoys.

Dr. Ali Sindi, Minister of Planning, stated that all our international partners agree that good security prevails in Kurdistan. This in turn is an enabling factor for the growing foreign investment in the Region.

Dr. Sindi emphasized the importance of the Japanese contribution to the development process of the Region, particularly their contribution to the agricultural sector upon direct request of the Region’s President, Mr. Masud Barzani.

 The visiting delegation stated that the good security situation along with the visible progress encourage them to continue their contribution to the Region. Adding that later this year, within the framework of the agricultural strategic plan, Japanese experts will come to work directly on the projects.

Finally the Minister of Planning suggested co-financing projects in the future between JICA and the KRG, as this method increases accountability on both sides.