Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation between Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran

May 18, 2009
Japanese

On May 18 (Monday), 2009 (JST), Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone gave a telephone call to Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran H. E. Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki. It continued for about 20 minutes from 5:50 p.m.

Minister Nakasone began by expressing his thanks for the kind treatment he received during his recent visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from May 2 (Saturday) to 3 (Sunday). He said that he hoped this visit would lead to the further development of high-level dialogues between Japan and Iran, and asked Minister Mottaki to convey his best wishes to President Ahmadinejad. Minister Nakasone then expressed his happiness that Ms. Roxana Saberi had been freed, and shared his approval of the Government of Iran’s appropriate conclusion to this matter.
In response, Minister Mottaki said that the reexamination of Ms. Saberi’s case took place at the time of Minister Nakasone’s visit to Iran, and that he was happy with the judgment passed by the Judiciary. He then pointed out the importance of putting into practice Japan and Iran’s agreement, which was entered into when Minister Nakasone visited Iran, to cooperate in regards to supporting Afghanistan. He also said that a summit meeting of the Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani presidents is scheduled to be held in Tehran soon.
Minister Nakasone said that he wanted to steadily proceed in cooperating to support Afghanistan, and that it was essential to breed constructive cooperative relationships between nations in the area for regional stability. He said that Japan greatly appreciated Iran’s efforts and hoped that the summit of the Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani presidents will contribute to regional peace and stability. In addition, he once again pointed out the necessity for Iran’s proactive actions regarding Iran-U.S. relations and Iran’s nuclear issue. As an example, he encouraged Iran to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and to positively work for conclusion of the IAEA Additional Protocol.
Minister Mottaki responded that Iran was fulfilling that responsibility by participating in a variety of international treaties and frameworks such as the NPT and IAEA, but that Iran was not being given sufficient benefits. He said that if other countries respected Iran’s rights, Iran would be able to take new steps forward.
In conclusion, Minister Nakasone said that he hoped to maintain close relations in the future as well, which Minister Mottaki also agreed to.

(END)

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