AUK’s CPHS Hosts Ambassador of Japan to Iraq Futoshi Matsumoto for a Lecture

Duhok, Kurdistan Region – February 25, 2023 – The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Futoshi Matsumoto, on February 19 as part of a lecture series sponsored by the University’s Center For Peace and Security (CPHS). The lecture was titled “Japan’s Modernization and its Lessons for the Future of Iraq.”

Following the introductory remarks by AUK President Dr. Randall Rhodes, the Director of CPHS, Dr. Jiar Aghapouri, emphasized the significance of the lecture series in promoting understanding and cross-cultural dialogue.

Reflecting AUK’s theme for the month of February, “Achieving a Sustainable World”, the Ambassador’s comments focused on Japan’s multilayered identity, the country’s openness to foreign ideas, and its trajectory of modernization, which extended from the pre-Meiji period to the era of accelerated economic expansion in the 1970s.

In his concluding remarks, the Ambassador identified the fundamental components crucial for the sustained prosperity of Japan. These components comprised stability, a robust democratic system, a strong national identity, and a resilient economy.

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to further explore the themes discussed and engage directly with Ambassador Matsumoto, enriching the dialogue and fostering deeper understanding.

Guest Lecture: Exploring Kurdistan Region’s Relations with its Neighbors.