Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed his understanding during talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over Japan's plan to send the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Middle East to protect Japan-related ships.
When Abe explained the MSDF dispatch to Rouhani at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Friday, the Iranian president said he understood Tokyo's intention to contribute to ensuring safe navigation through its own initiative.
Rouhani's visit to Japan was the first in 19 years for an Iranian president since Mohammad Khatami came here in October 2000. This was the 10th summit meeting between Abe and Rouhani since September in New York.
The talks lasted about three hours, including dinner time. At the meeting, Abe explained that Japan plans to dispatch MSDF personnel to strengthen its information-gathering capabilities to ensure the safety of Japan-related vessels.
Abe also told Rouhani that Japan will not participate in the U.S.-led maritime security initiative. In response, Rouhani said he appreciated Abe's transparent explanation to Iran.
The two leaders also had talks for easing tensions and stabilization tensions in the Middle East.
Apparently referring to a confrontation between the United States and Iran, Abe said, "I'm deeply concerned about the continuing escalation of tensions in the Middle East."
Abe told Rouhani that Japan intends to engage more in diplomatic efforts, saying, "We will make our utmost to play a role in easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the region."
Rouhani said that Abe's visit to Iran in June was significant. He also said that the nuclear accord between Tehran and other world powers is extremely important. "That is why Iran strongly condemns the United States' unilateral and irrational withdrawal" from the accord, Rouhani said.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
