Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Overview)

September 26, 2012

1. 1. On Wednesday, September 26, at 3:00 p.m., Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affiais of Japan who was visiting New York, to attend the 67th United Nations General Assembly, met for approximately 30 minutes with Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.



2. 2. At the beginning, Minister Gemba expressed his sympathy and condolences to Foreign Minister Salehi for victims of the earthquake which hit the northwestern part of Iran in August, and stated that taking assistance from Iran in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Japan’s traditional relationship with Iran into consideration, the Government of Japan provided emergency assistance and humanitarian support to Iran.



3. 3. In response, Foreign Minister Salehi stated that the efforts made by both Japan and Iran in the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan held in July were good examples which demonstrate that the two countries can cooperate in the international arena, and also expressed his gratitude for condolences and assistance from Japan .



4. 4. Both Ministers also exchanged opinions mainly on the bilateral relationship and the Iranian nuclear issue. Furthermore, Minister Gemba stated that Japan has a keen interest on stability of the Straits of Hormuz. The Two Ministers confirmed the willingness to continue such a candid dialogue.