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Talks between Mr. Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister for Asian and Oceanic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs

December 26, 2008

　Today, for about 30 minutes from 14:00, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, had talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Mr. Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister for Asian and Oceanic Affiars of Iran, who is visiting Japan.

1. In the talks, based on the fact that next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 70th anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty of Friendship, and the 50th anniversary of the start of cultural exchanges between Japan and Iran, Mr. Nakasone said that Japan attached importance to the traditional friendship between the two countries.  Referring to the recent consultations in the fields of justice and security, Mr. Nakasone expected that the exchange and cooperation between the two countries would be promoted further in various fields and at different levels.  As to Iran’s nuclear issue, Mr. Nakasone also said that it would be important for Iran to win the trust of the international community, and asked Iran to make efforts to that end.  
    
2. Responding to this, referring to the recent active mutual visits at high levels between Japan and Iran, Mr. Akhondzadeh hoped for the further promotion of bilateral relations in various fields.  As to Iran’s nuclear issue, while reiterating Iran’s announced position, Mr. Akhondzadeh said that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful, and that the international community should make efforts in cooperation to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.  Mr. Akhondzadeh also said that the meaningful discussions were made at the Eighteenth Japan-Iran Vice-Ministerial Regular Consultation held yesterday, and wished to make a further follow-up.  As a message from Mr. Mottaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Mr. Akhondzadeh also warmly invited Mr. Nakasone to visit Iran next year, which will remark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iran.  
    
3. Mr. Akhondzadeh explained Iran’s assistance to Afghanistan to Mr. Nakasone.  Mr. Nakasone stated that it is important to establish common ground in the fields of the stability of the region including Afghanistan, refugees and drugs between the international community and Iran, and that Japan was ready to cooperate.  At the end, Mr. Nakasone said that Japan was ready to cooperate with Iran to solve problems at the approach to 2009, the anniversary year, and Mr. Akhondzadeh agreed with him to conclude the talks.

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