Tokyo

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appreciates Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s diplomatic efforts, visiting special envoy Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday.

Araghchi, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, conveyed the president’s message to Abe in a meeting at the prime minister’s office.

In praising his efforts, Rouhani mentioned Abe’s visit to Iran in June made in the hope of mediating between the Middle East country and the United States, according to Araghchi.

Rouhani expects that Abe will continue to make efforts to ease tensions in the region, the Iranian diplomat said. Abe replied, “Japan will keep up its tenacious diplomatic efforts.”

Expressing concerns about Iran’s increased nuclear activities running counter to the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six major powers, Abe called on the Iranian side not to take action that may damage the landmark deal.

Abe asked for Iran’s understanding over Japan’s plan to dispatch Self-Defense Forces units to the Middle East as part of its efforts to ensure navigational safety in the region.

Later, Araghchi met with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and asked him to visit Iran. Motegi said securing safe navigation of ships in the Middle East is extremely important to Japan.

Jiji Press