Mottaki, Japan official discuss regional issues

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki discussed the regional issues and ways to strengthen bilateral ties with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae.

According to a report by Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Bureau, Mottaki referred to the holding of elections in Iran and Japan and said that developments after both countries’ elections can bring about good results in line with consolidating bilateral relations.

Evaluating the new developments in the two countries’ ties, Mottaki added, “we consider changes in bilateral ties as positive as Islamic teachings stipulate that one will not succeed if his/her two successive days are equal.

Appreciating the Japanese officials for congratulating him on his winning vote of confidence from the Majlis, he hoped that the trend of ties will be managed proportionate to the existing capacities in the next tenure.
Commenting on the developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, he noted, “our analysis of regional issues is based on realism and proper understanding about the region’s status quo.”

This is while certain powers are trying to transfer the crisis and instability to other regions.

Referring to the main problem of the foreign powers in Afghanistan, the minister said that their problem is not lack of military facilities; rather lack of understanding about the Afghan culture.

Iran and Japan have the capacities to undertake joint projects in Afghanistan, Mottaki noted.

Sasae, for his part, congratulated Mottaki on his reinstatement and hoped that bilateral ties will be further improved in his next tenure.

Describing the regular consultation between the two countries’ foreign ministers as effective and constructive, he added that it has produced positive results for both nations.

Pointing to Iran-Japan cooperation regarding Afghan reconstruction, Sasae hoped that their collaboration in the country will bolster.


End