Iran eager to further develop ties with Japan

Tehran and Tokyo enjoy close relations, a senior Iranian diplomat said, stressing that the two countries should make their utmost efforts to further develop ties and cooperation in different fields. Iran’s Ambassador to Tokyo Reza Nazar Ahari hailed Japan’s efforts to expand relations with Iran, but meantime underlined the need for the further expansion of ties with the Asian country. The Iranian envoy pointed to the track record of Iran-Japan relations, and said, “The history of mutual cooperation between the two countries dates back to Silk Road or more than 1,500 years ago. Historically, Iran and Japan have friendly relations with each other. Late in September, President Rouhani and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe underlined the need for the further expansion of Tehran-Tokyo bilateral ties. During the meeting in New York, the Iranian president pointed to age-old Iran-Japan relations, and said, “There are good opportunities for the Iran and Japan to further enhance their mutual cooperation.” The Japanese prime minister, for his part, appreciated President Rouhani’s policy of direct interactions with other countries, and said, “Tokyo is quite hopeful for expansion of comprehensive ties with Iran in the framework of international regulations.” Diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan were formally established in 1926 and throughout history, the two countries have maintained a friendly and strongly cooperation in various arenas. The two countries' officials have held talks in different economic, trade, political and cultural fields in recent years to explore new ways of expanding bilateral ties.