On 27th of August, 2018, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Naofumi Hashimoto arrived to Baghdad as the successor to former Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Iwai. This is be the second occasion that Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto has worked in Iraq. His first assignment was over 10 years ago.

Mr. Sardar Al-Bebany, Chairman and CEO of Sardar Group visited His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto on 3 September 2018, in Baghdad to welcome him back to Iraq and to discuss various subjects between Iraq and Japan.

On September 24th, 2018, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto arrived at Erbil and visited Toyota Iraq. His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto was greeted by Mr. S. Fujimoto, CEO of Toyota Iraq and his staff members. During the visit to Toyota Iraq, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto was briefed on the many roles Toyota Iraq is playing on the impact of motorization in the Iraqi society by offering Official Vehicles, Aftersales Services, Genuine Parts. His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto was also explained about the Social Contribution of Toyota Iraq such as the development and training of Internally Displaced Refugees with the collaborations of Humanitarian Organizations such as UNDP and more.

After visiting Toyota Iraq, His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto later visited Sakura Park located on 100 Meter Rd. behind the SAS Automotive Services Toyota Showroom and was received by Mr. Shamal Al-Bebany, Board Member of Sardar Group. His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto was pleased that the iconic Japanese Sakura Trees were flourishing in Iraq and was briefed on the history of Sakura Park and the Sakura Trees that have been planted.

For many years, the Japanese Government has supported the efforts of the Iraqi Government and people towards building a rich and safe democratic country through the implementation of many projects for infrastructure reconstruction and humanitarian stabilization. We wish His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Hashimoto with much success and as Sardar Group, we are always ready to support in any way we can.