Visit to Japan of President Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran
(Official Visit: 31 October to 3 November)
(Summary and Evaluation)
6 November 2000
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
1. Summary
The visit to Japan of President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran marked the first visit by an Iranian head of state since the Islamic Revolution and was the realization of the invitation by Japan's Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, which was delivered by (then) Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the occasion of his visit to Iran in August 1999.
2. Main Itinerary
| 31 October (Tue) | - A courtesy call on President Khatami by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono - Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers' Meeting |
| 1 November (Wed) | - Welcome Ceremony - Signing of the Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Energy Sector Between the Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan and the Minister of Oil of the Islamic Republic of Iran - Luncheon hosted by major economic organizations - Address at the Diet (the House of Representatives) - Japan-Iran Summit Meeting - Signing Ceremony for the Joint Statement Concerning Cooperation directed toward the Twenty-First Century between Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran by the leaders of both countries - Dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Japan |
| 2 November (Thu) | - Speech at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and awarding of the honoris causa - State Call on His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and Court Luncheon - A courtesy call on President Khatami by Minister of International Trade and Industry Takeo Hiranuma - Reception hosted by the Japan-Iran Parliamentary Friendship League |
3. Overall Evaluation
(1) Support for Reforms
During the visit, the Japanese side expressed to President Khatami and the Government of Iran their support and assistance for internal reforms and positive developments in its external relations initiated by the Khatami administration, and achieved Iran's commitment to exerting further efforts in this regard.
(2) Strengthening of Political Dialogue
Japan has repeatedly expressed concerns of the international community to Iran in meetings at various levels. During this visit, through the frank exchange of views on peace in the Middle East, missile development, and terrorism at the Summit Meeting, Japan communicated to the Iranian side the international community's concern and Japan's expectations for a constructive role for Iran. In this regard, flexible attitudes were elicited from Iran on terrorism, arms control and disarmament, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East in the Joint Statement.
(3) Expression of Intention to Expand Bilateral Relations
In the political field, through the Joint Statement in which both countries declared the intention for further cooperation between them in various fields, and in the economic field, through the announcement of specific cooperation, this visit was significant in that it presented the opportunity for further enhancement of cooperation in future bilateral relations.
4. Specific Outputs
(1) Joint Statement
On 2 November, a "Joint Statement" was signed by both leaders, concerning common efforts and messages between the countries on bilateral relations and regional/international issues, as well as future cooperation.
(2) Invitation for Prime Minister Mori to Visit Iran
At the meeting between the two leaders on 1 November, President Khatami extended an invitation to Prime Minister Mori to visit Iran. (Prime Minister Mori responded by saying that his schedule would be coordinated through diplomatic channels.)
(3) Advance Oil Facility by Japanese Importers
Through cooperation between the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Japanese oil importers, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), an agreement was reached on the framework of an advance facility for US$1 billion in 2001 and US$1 billion in the following two years, respectively, as an advance payment for oil imports.
(4) Acquisition of the First Refusal for Oil Field
An agreement was reached between NIOC and Japanese companies on the commencement of negotiations for development of the Azadegan oil field.
(5) Agreement on the Extension of JBIC Loans
An agreement was reached on the provision of export credits (a total of approximately JPY 53.1 billion) through JBIC for four export projects to Iran.
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