Japanese, Iranian foreign ministers discuss energy cooperation

Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, the Japanese foreign minister, and [Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal] Kharrazi, in a meeting recently exchanged views on ways of strengthening bilateral relations, regional and international issues.

After the talks with his Japanese counterpart, the foreign minister told reporters that Japan continues to be interested in participating in Iranian oilfields.

Kharrazi said energy cooperation is among the main parts of Iran-Japan cooperation. "Japan is one of the main consumers of Iranian oil and, for that reason, Japan itself is willing to expand its energy relations with Iran in the form of participation in Iranian oilfields," he said. "One of the topics of discussion between Iran and Japan which is still continuing concerns the Azadegan [oilfield]," Kharrazi said. "At the moment technical talks are under way between [the two countries'] relevant departments and we hope that these talks are finalized as soon as possible." On the dispatch of Japanese troops to Iraq, Mr Kharrazi said Iran prefers that the dispatch of troops to Iraq is carried out under the supervision of the UN and that they are temporary, so that the people of the country can take charge of their own affairs.

Yoriko Kawaguchi described Tokyo-Tehran relations as satisfactory and added: We are determined to continue our bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Japanese foreign minister said the signing of the [IAEA] Additional Protocol was helpful and added: Japan has also urged Israel, Pakistan and India to sign the treaty banning proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

"Today Japan agreed with Iran that Tokyo and Tehran would cooperate on their assistance to Iraq," Yoriko Kawaguchi said.

The Japanese foreign minister conveyed the sympathy of the people of Japan with victims of the Bam earthquake.

"Tokyo has decided to allocate around 2m dollars for the earthquake-stricken people of Bam," Kawaguchi said.

BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific