Japanese envoy calls for expansion of Iran ties

Tehran, January 18, IRNA -- Japanese Ambassador to Tehran Akio Shirota conferred on Sunday with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on ways to expand relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The Japanese ambassador voiced Japan's willingness to bolster Iran ties and develop cooperation between the two nations.

Akio Shirota highlighted Iran's significant role to help restore security and tranquility in the region.

He said that Iran and Japan share many common grounds and that enhanced cultural cooperation will help deepen such historical ties.

The Japanese ambassador once again extended an invitation to the Iranian Majlis speaker to pay an official visit to Japan.

Larijani, for his part, described Tehran-Tokyo relations as promising and said that grounds for expansion of such friendly ties are well-prepared.

Larijani said that Iran and Japan share common interests in mutual, regional and international developments and the two sides should not miss any chance to broaden such ties.

Iranian Majlis welcomes expansion of parliamentary relations with Japan to help bolster bilateral ties, he said./end