Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, right, poses for photos with his visiting Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi before their talks in Baghdad, Iraq, on Aug. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi made an unannounced trip to Baghdad on Saturday, the first visit to Iraq by a Japanese foreign minister in 15 years.

       Motegi, who is on a tour to the Middle East, met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein before holding separate talks with President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi later Saturday.

       The Japanese Foreign Ministry did not announce Motegi's visit to Iraq -- which came between his visit to Turkey and planned travel to Iran -- due to safety reasons.

       Taro Aso was the last Japanese foreign minister to visit Iraq in August 2006.

       In Saturday's meetings, Motegi and the Iraqi leaders were expected to focus on bilateral cooperation in ensuring peace and stability in Iraq.

       Motegi was expected to convey Tokyo's intention to assist Baghdad's efforts to promote the economy and democracy.

       The two sides may also discuss the crisis in Afghanistan and the situation in Iran.

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