President of Japan’s upper house, the House of Councilors, Chuichi Date, underlined the need for closer cooperation with Iran, extending an invitation to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani for an official visit.
The Japanese top parliamentarian made the remarks on Thursday in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Tokyo Morteza Rahmani Movahed.
During the meeting, the Japanese politician noted the meetings between the leaders of the two countries in the last six years, stressing that parliament could play an effective role in expanding bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Tokyo.
He also noted the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan next year, expressing hope that important steps would be taken to further strengthen ties.
He then extended an invitation to Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, voicing hope that his visit to Japan would further develop relations between the two sides.
The Iranian ambassador, for his part, called for expansion of parliamentary cooperation between Tehran and Tokyo.
He also extended Larijani’s greetings, saying parliamentary ties would serve as an important factor in developing amicable ties between the two nations.
Japan is one of the ten countries which were granted the exemptions from sanctions by the US. While the list was first comprised of eight countries-Japan, India, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Greece, Italy-, the US later added Iraq and Afghanistan to the group of countries excused from anti-Iran sanctions.
Despite US’ unilateral pressures on other countries to limit ties with Iran, many countries like Japan have voiced their determination to bolster bilateral ties with Tehran.
Japan is preparing to celebrate the 90th anniversary of opening its embassy in Tehran in next summer, with programs to be held concurrently in Tehran and Tokyo.
Source » Farsnews