Iran’s foreign minister meets with his visiting Japanese counterpart

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met and conferred with his visiting Japanese counterpart Taro Kono in Tehran on Wednesday.

According to Press TV, during the meeting, Zarif pointed to the US policy of economic terrorism against Iran, saying the Islamic Republic was also facing “a propaganda campaign and hate-mongering” by Washington every day.

Zarif said that to foil the US measures Iran has been working out necessary plans to ensure the well-being of the nation, adding that among the plans was a revision of the country’s budget to wean the country off oil revenue.   

He also pointed to long-standing relations between Tehran and Tokyo and called Japan a good friend and partner of Iran in political, economic and cultural areas.

The Japanese official, for his part, described Shinzo Abe’s visit to Iran as historic.

“Iran is an important country in the region and we believe the fewer tensions in this strategic region, the better for everyone. Otherwise everyone will get hurt,” Kono said, adding,” Japan is ready to do anything to ease tensions.”

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said that during the talks Kono also asked Iran to remain committed to the JCPOA that put limits on Tehran’s nuclear program in return for lifting nuclear-related sanctions, according to Kyodo news agency.  

Japan is not a member of the deal but has been a supporter.

Abe arrived in Iran on Wednesday on a first visit by a Japanese premier to Tehran in more than 40 years.

ME