Japanese deputy FM calls Iran-5+1 talks ‘positive’

Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki has hailed talks between Iran and world powers to resolve disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program, describing them as “positive.”
The most recent round of talks between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on February 26 and 27 during which the two sides agreed to meet again at the same venue on April 5 and 6 after holding expert level talks in Istanbul on March 18.

“The talks were constructive and useful, and could create trust between the two sides,” Saiki said during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran on Sunday.

He also called for an expansion of ties with Iran in all areas.

The Iranian foreign minister underlined deep-rooted and friendly relations between Iran and Japan, calling for bolstering the relations given the economic and political potential of the two countries.

Saiki’s visit to Tehran “will have a positive effect on enhancing the relations” between Iran and Japan, Salehi noted.

He also urged Japan to use its high status in political and international arena to help resolve global issues.