Japan-Iran Relations
Japan-Iran Foreign Minister’s Meeting
August 22, 2021
On August 22, commencing at 10:40（local time; on August, 15:10 JST）for 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Mohamamd Javad ZARIF, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his gladness for meeting with Minister Zarif during his visit and expressed that his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, immediately after the inauguration of the President Raisi demonstrates the historically friendly relationship between Japan and Iran. Minister Motegi further stated that Japan provided Iran with 2.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations manufactured in Japan, and expressed his hopes that these vaccines would contribute to preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections in Iran.
In response, Minister Zarif welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit to Iran and expressed his gratitude for the COVID-19 vaccines provided by Japan to Iran. - Based on Japan’s consistent position in support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Minister Motegi urged Iran to take constructive measures towards the immediate return to compliance with the JCPOA. Minister Zarif explained Iran’s stance and hoped for achieving an agreement under the Raisi Administration.
- Both sides exchanged views on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran. While Minister Motegi noting that Japan and Iran have developed mutual cooperation in various fields during the tenure of Minister Zarif, expressed his gratitude for the friendship established with Minister Zarif. Further, both sides welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding Mutual Administrative Assistance and Cooperation in Custom Matters which aims to prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs including narcotics, which took place on the same day as the meeting.
- Both sides exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan.