The Japanese embassy in Iraq is opening a temporary office in the northern city of Arbil on Tuesday.
Foreign ministry officials say the move is to ensure the safety of Japanese expatriates and to strengthen support for Japanese firms in Iraq. Arbil is a central city in the Kurdish autonomous region.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Tuesday that Japanese nationals have taken temporary refuge in Arbil where it's relatively safe. He said the office will supplement the functions of the embassy in Baghdad.
The Foreign Ministry has also opened a liaison office in Tokyo to coordinate responses to developments in Iraq with other government offices.
Japan opens temporary office in Arbil, Iraq -NHK WORLD English-
