Iran-Japan Willing To Develop Economic Co-op: Joint Communiqué

Tehran, Nov 11, IRNA – Iran and Japan are willing to develop economic cooperation, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Japanese counterpart, Fumoi Kishida, said in a joint communiqué in Tehran Sunday. Both foreign ministers held talks to explore ways for further enhancement of bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Referring to a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly in New York, the two ministers emphasized the importance of continuing and strengthening high-level political consultations to further deepen mutual understanding and mutual cooperation, the communiqué said. They voiced their readiness to promote dialogue at various levels and different fields such as policy coordination, consular affairs and human rights. Pointing to the significance of further promotion of cultural relations, they stressed the need for further exchange of intellectuals and students. The two ministers underlined the significance of cooperation on environmental issues including preservation of lakes and wetlands and called for sharing experience and technology with each other in the field. Zarif and Kishida expressed satisfaction with the steady progress to provide assistance to Afghanistan and voiced preparedness to adopt measures against narcotics trafficking and help the Afghans return home voluntarily. Stressing the need to continue diplomatic efforts to reach a final resolution to the Western dispute with Iran over Tehran nuclear program, they affirmed to work together to this end. Kishida welcomed constructive approach taken by President Hassan Rouhani’s administration to engage seriously with EU3+3 as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), hoping that in such a new atmosphere, Iran’s nuclear case will be resolved within a specified timetable. He also welcomed progress made during the talks in the past three days between Iran and EU3+3 in Geneva. Zarif, for his part, hailed Tokyo’s position in this respect. They called for an end to violence in Syria and improvement of conditions for the Syrians. They also underlined the significance of Geneva 2 Conference to solve the crisis gripping the Arab state. The ministers expressed their preparedness for embarking on constructive cooperation with the international community for the betterment of situation in Syria. They emphasized the importance of ensuring maritime security and safety of navigation in open seas./end