Japan congratulates Iraq on liberation of Mosul

TOKYO, July 11 (KUNA) -- Japan on Tuesday congratulated Iraq on the liberation of Mosul, and vowed its continued support to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi to restore peace and stability in the country.
"The Japanese government extends congratulations on the declaration that Iraq has gained victory over the battle against the Islamic extremist organization Islamic State (IS) in Mosul," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Norio Maruyama said in a statement.
"The victory of the Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul, which was a major stronghold for IS, is an important step in the fight against terrorism and for the peace and stability in Iraq," said Maruyama.
Japan supports the international efforts to fight against terrorism, and is determined to continue making the utmost contributions in non-military fields such as humanitarian aid while coordinating closely with the Iraqi government, relevant countries and international organizations, in order to restore peace and stability in Iraq, the spokesman added. (end) mk.gta