President Raeisi hopes for new chapter in Iran-Japan friendship

Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi expressed hope that by boosting consultations and joint efforts, Iran and Japan can strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional and global peace and stability.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a message to Japan’s new prime minister, President Raeisi on behalf of the Iranian government and nation congratulated Kishida Fumio on taking office.

He hoped that during Kishida’s term as prime minister, a new chapter would open in the friendship between the two countries.

The president also expressed confidence that given the longstanding friendly ties between Tehran and Tokyo, bilateral cooperation between the two sides would develop in all fields, especially in economic and trade areas.

President Raeisi also stressed that the Islamic Republic’s policy has always been helping to bolster regional and international peace and stability in light of justice and mutual commitment to international undertakings and agreements.

Kishida took office as Japan’s prime minister on Monday, forming a Cabinet charged with keeping COVID-19 under control while reviving a battered economy, as he looks to appeal to voters heading into a general election in less than a month.

The election for the House of Representatives, the more powerful lower chamber of parliament, will be held Oct. 31, Kishida said.

The 64-year-old former foreign minister replaced Yoshihide Suga, who resigned after just over a year in office amid criticism of his pandemic response.

ME