Iran offers cooperation with Japan over Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed Iran’s readiness to work with Japan on joint projects on the improvement of situation in Afghanistan.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa, held in Geneva on Wednesday, Amir-Abdollahian highlighted Iran’s efforts to ensure peace, stability and security in neighboring Afghanistan.

Lauding Japan’s contribution to assistance to Afghanistan via the United Nations, the Iranian foreign minister said, “We are prepared to carry out projects on the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan under mutual cooperation (with Japan).”

He also voiced Iran’s readiness to strengthen relations with Japan, stressing that no third party should be allowed to undermine the bilateral ties.

“We consider no restrictions to the bilateral and international cooperation between the two countries and are prepared to increase the volume of bilateral trade and forge stronger interaction,” he added.

For her part, the Japanese foreign minister highlighted the age-old and deep-rooted relations between Tokyo and Tehran, saying Japan is interested in the enhancement of relations with Iran.

Appreciating Iran for hosting a large population of Afghan refugees and highlighting its role in contributing to stability and security in Afghanistan, Kamikawa said Japan is prepared for cooperation with Iran to ensure Afghanistan's stability.

She also called for Iran’s greater efforts to address the regional conflicts and prevent the spread of clashes and instability in the region.

ME