2023-08-20 12:00:58
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, President Raisi of Iran
The Japanese and Iranian governments have agreed to hold a meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Raisi in New York, where the United Nations General Assembly will be held in September, an Iranian diplomatic source told Kyodo News by the 20th. Talks between Iran and the United States and Europe over the nuclear issue have stalled, and Iran is poised to promote its relationship with Japan, a traditional ally, to avoid international isolation.
The two leaders are expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear program and Iran’s alleged supply of drones to Russia as it invades Ukraine. According to Iranian diplomatic sources, Raisi will ask Kishida to visit Iran at the meeting.
Mr. Kishida and Ayatollah Raishi also met in September last year when the two leaders visited New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Raisi also calls for the unfreezing of Iranian assets frozen in Japan in line with US sanctions. This asset is believed to be around $3 billion (regarding 430 billion yen).
The situation in the Middle East, which has been destabilized by the confrontation between the United States and Iran, is also likely to become an issue. Tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz, a major artery for crude oil transportation, and the Japanese side is expected to emphasize the importance of ensuring safe navigation.
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