On August 23, commencing at 10:30（local time; on August 23, 15:00 JST）for 60 minutes, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Foreign Minister-designate of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his congratulations for the designation of Dr. Amir Abdollahian as Foreign Minister and expressed that his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, immediately after the inauguration of the President Raisi demonstrates the historically friendly relationship between Japan and Iran. Minister Motegi further stated that Japan provided Iran with 2.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations manufactured in Japan, and expressed his hopes that these vaccines would contribute to preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections in Iran.
In response, Minister-designate Amir Abdollahian welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit to Iran and expressed his gratitude for the COVID-19 vaccines provided by Japan to Iran.
Based on Japan’s consistent position in support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Minister Motegi urged Iran to take constructive measures towards the immediate return to compliance with the JCPOA. Minister-designate Amir Abdollahian explained Iran’s stance and both sides agreed to continue close communication on this matter.
Minister Motegi emphasized the importance of ensuring maritime security and the safety of navigation and explained Japan’s efforts in the field. Minister Motegi called on Iran to fulfill its responsibility as a coastal state in securing the safety of navigation for vessels including those related to Japan. Further, Minister Motegi explained Japan’s vision of achieving a“Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. In response, Minister-designate Amir Abdollahian stated that Iran places importance of securing the safety of navigation for vessels and emphasized that Iran is ready to make relevant efforts.
Also both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.
Both sides exchanged views on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran. While noting that Japan and Iran have expanded the bilateral relationship in various areas and concurred to further strengthen and develop the relationship under the Raisi Administration.