Meeting between Mr. Samareh Hashemi, Senior Advisor to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs

January 23, 2009

Today, for about 35 minutes from 15:00, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with Mr. Samareh Hashemi, Senior Advisor to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who is now visiting Japan.

In the meeting, Mr. Nakasone said that Japan would continue to attach importance to the long-existing friendly relationship with Iran. Considering that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iran, he wished to deepen the relationship further and discuss various issues in the world widely and closely.
Mr. Nakasone also said that, as Iran was a major power in the region which had great potential, it would be important for the country to take realistic action and play a constructive role.
As to Iran’s nuclear issue, Mr. Nakasone pointed out the seriousness of the five United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the importance of continuous cooperation with IAEA. He also stated that Iran should take its own steps, including the suspension of enrichment-related activities, in order to win the trust of the international community.
In response, Mr. Samareh Hashemi said that Japan and Iran were both civilized countries which have rich, long established cultures. He also expressed Iran’s wish to develop the relations with Japan in all areas, and explained that this feeling was expressed in the personal letter from Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, handed to Prime Minister Aso yesterday.
On the nuclear issue, Mr. Samareh Hashemi reiterated Iran’s known position by explaining that the country’s nuclear activities were peaceful and placed under IAEA’s observation.
Mr. Samareh Hashemi said that the peace and stability of Afghanistan was important for Iran as a neighboring country. While sharing Iran’s efforts in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan and in counternarcotics, he acknowledged and supported Japan’s efforts in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. He said that Japan and Iran would be able to cooperate in this field.
He also requested Mr. Nakasone to visit Teheran.
In response, Mr. Nakasone stated that it would be important for Iran to play a constructive role on common ground with the international community to achieve the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, measures to help refugees and counter narcotics, and for the stability of the whole region including Iraq. He also stated that Japan would continue to cooperate for this.
On the issue of peace in the Middle East, Mr. Nakasone pointed out the importance of eliminating violence and dealing with the matter through peaceful dialogue, and asked Iran to a play constructive role in making the ceasefire sustainable.

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