Iran’s Top Diplomat Leaves India for Japan


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif headed for Japan after visiting Turkmenistan and India as part of his efforts to boost the Islamic Republic’s relations with the countries in the sanctions era.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Zarif left New Delhi for Tokyo at the official invitation of his counterpart in the East Asian country.  

Zarif plans to meet with senior Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and hold talks on ways to boost bilateral relations in diverse fields.  

Earlier this week, the Iranian foreign minister visited Turkmenistan and India, discussing closer relations between the Islamic Republic and the two countries.

Iran and Japan have ramped up efforts in recent years to boost bilateral relations in diverse political and economic fields.

Back in October 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stressed the necessity for the two Asian countries’ private sectors to boost cooperation and joint investments.

“Age-old relations between Iran and Japan have always been cordial and the two nations have a special respect for each other,” Rouhani said at a meeting with Japan’s new ambassador to Tehran on October 16.

The two countries have common views about many international issues and the meetings of the two countries’ officials in various international circles, especially on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, have always been positive and in line with efforts to deepen ties, he added.

The Japanese envoy, for his part, said his country is willing to develop amicable relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

He said despite US pressures and sanctions, Japanese companies and government will remain in Iran and continue their work.