Press Release on July 26, 2007


Japan organizes the capacity building project for the Iraqi archaeologists in cooperation of Jordan and UNESCO

Quick glance at the project

The Capacity Building project of ‏‏“Comprehensive Preservation and Management Skill for Cultural Heritage” for the Iraqi archaeologists and experts was launching in Amman today by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Antiquities of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in cooperation with UNESCO, as part of Japan’s continuous support to Iraqi people.

The Opening Ceremony of the project was held on the day with the presence of His Excellency Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan; Dr. Fawwaz Al-Khraysheh, Director General, Department of Antiquities; Mr. Hideyuki Suzuki, Representative, Iraq Unit, JICA Jordan Office; and officials from the Government of Jordan and UNESCO.

‏‏The training course, which is to follow the successful courses organized last 2 years under the same title and is the last course for 3 years, aims at upgrading the skills and know-how of Iraqi archaeologists and experts in preserving and managing the archaeological sites in Iraq through practical training in Umm Qais and theoretical lectures by Japanese and UNESCO’s experts. The trainees will work for cultural heritage in Iraq with the skills and know-how upgraded after the training course.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Ambassador, Mr. Kato expressed his hope that the course would provide the Iraqi experts with the latest technique and expertise in order to preserve the historical treasure, not only for Iraqi people, but also for all mankind, and assured that the Government of Japan would continue to make every effort to support Iraqi friends who are facing many difficulties in their country.

The Governments of Japan and Jordan have provided Iraqi people with training programs in various fields such as electricity, water resource management, education, and culture. Till this day, the number of Iraqi experts who have successfully upgraded necessary skills and knowledge through the training programs is more than 500, and they are now playing an important role in reconstructing and developing the country in difficulties.


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Umm Qais overlooks Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights.