Japan-Iran Relations
Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
December 13, 2023
On December 13th, commencing at 5:00 p.m. local time (December 14th 1:00 a.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Geneva, Swiss Confederation, to attend the Second Global Refugee Forum, held a Foreign Minister’s Meeting with H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The overview is as follows.
- With regard to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan is deeply concerned that the fighting resumed and has been expanding throughout the Gaza Strip, including in the south, and that Japan will continue to make utmost diplomatic efforts to enable the Security Council to fulfill its role. Minister Kamikawa also stated that Japan is seriously concerned about the situation spreading to the region and further destabilizing the situation.
- Minister Kamikawa also stated that any action by the Houthis that impede the free and safe navigation of vessels, including the "seizure” of the vessel operated by a Japanese company, are unacceptable and unequivocally condemned such action, and called on Iran to urge the Houthis for the early release of the vessel and its crew members and to refrain from taking such action going forward. Minister Kamikawa also strongly called on Iran to urge restraint on other relevant forces with which it has influence.
- In response, Minister Amir Abdollahian explained Iran’s stance on the current situation, and the two ministers confirmed to continue communication to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible.
- Minister Kamikawa expressed her respect for the many Afghan refugees that Iran has hosted over the years and conveyed Japan's newly decided assistance for Afghan refugees in Iran. In response, Foreign Minister Abdollahian expressed his gratitude for Japan's support.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran, the situation in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear issue.