Japan-Iran Relations

Prime Minister Abe welcomed the opportunity to meet with president Rouhani once again. While citing the fact that Prime Minister Abe stated the importance of not passing up the chance to settle the nuclear issue in the meeting held at the UN General Assembly last Autumn, he welcomed the significant progress on the nuclear issue at Lausanne. Prime Minister Abe also mentioned the signing of the treaty between Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the transfer of sentenced person, which will be the first bilateral treaty following the Islamic Revolution, as well as the progress in cooperation in the fields of environment and medicine. The Prime Minister also expressed his firm belief that the Japan-Iran relationship will further develop once a final agreement is reached on the nuclear issue. President Rouhani also expressed his hope to strength relations with Japan in various fields such as economic, political and cultural area.

Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope for the leadership of President Rouhani in working towards reaching a final agreement on the nuclear issue, and stated the need for continuous efforts by Iran to win the trust of the international society after a final agreement in place. In response, President Rouhani stated that Iran has accepted the restrictions on its nuclear activity, so the negotiating partners should swiftly lift the economic sanctions on Iran. President Rouhani also stated that if the negotiating partners are serious about reaching a final agreement, the agreement can be concluded within two months.

President Rouhani stated that along with progress in negotiations on the nuclear issue, Iran is enjoying active economic exchanges with other countries. While expressing his hope for Japanese companies to further intensify business in Iran, President Rouhani also indicated his intention to cooperate with Japan in regional economic activity and in the development and progress of countries in the Middle East as a counterterrorism measure. Prime Minister Abe confirmed the steady progress in cooperative relationship between the two countries on humanitarian, the environment and counter-narcotics fields, and expressed his hope for Iran to also utilize Japan’s advanced medical technology. Prime Minister Abe also indicated his anticipation of dramatic expansion in bilateral economic ties once an agreement is reached on the nuclear issue.

President Rouhani invited Prime Minister Abe to visit Iran. In response, Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to visit Iran once the nuclear issue is settled and the circumstance is ready.

Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope for Iran to play a greater constructive role in securing stability in the Middle East, and stated his wish to intensify bilateral consulate on the Middle East and to continue close exchange of views. In response, President Rouhani also confirmed his hope to exchange views with Japan on the complex Middle East situation, and expressed his readiness to work together with Japan on humanitarian assistance in the Middle East such as Yemen.