BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Deputy Premier Saleh al-Mutlaq discussed today with the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq Takaoka bilateral relations and means to boosting cooperation in fields of agriculture, industry, health, environment and other services sectors.

In a statement by his office, both sides discussed the political situation in the region and their reflections on Iraqi internal politics.

Both sides agreed that Iraqi politicians should exert efforts to overcome disputes to build a secure and unified country.

On his side, Ambassador Takaoka expressed keenness to develop relations with Iraq and the Japanese companies' participation in Iraqi economic activities.