Japan calls on Iran, Syria to play constructive role on Iraq

Japan on Friday called on Iran and Syria to play a role in helping to stabilize the situation in Iraq and vowed to continue Tokyo's own financial assistance and other forms of cooperation for the reconstruction of Iraq. In a speech addressing a key ministerial meeting in Egypt on the security and stability of Iraq, Foreign Minister Taro Aso reaffirmed Japan's strong backing for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

In his speech, Aso described the stabilization of Iraq as "one of the most urgent issues confronting the international community," and stressed that it is "important for countries such as Iran and Syria to play a constructive role for the stabilization of the region and make efforts to this end."

Noting that the successful reconstruction of Iraq is directly linked to Japan's national interests, Aso briefed his counterparts from Iraq's neighboring countries, the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, and Group of Eight nations on Japan's assistance to Iraq.

Japan, which depends on the Middle East region for over 90% of its oil supply, is the world's second largest donor for Iraq after the United States.