Japan and Iran Hold First-Ever Phone Conversation Between Heads of State
On April 30, at approximately 6:25 p.m. Japan time, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Haga held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
At the beginning of the call, Prime Minister Haga expressed strong hopes for the swift resumption and eventual successful conclusion of negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Additionally, Prime Minister Haga noted that a vessel linked to Japan—carrying three Japanese crew members—had safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a positive development from the standpoint of protecting Japanese citizens. She reiterated her strong call for ensuring, as soon as possible, that all vessels, including those from Japan and Asian countries, can freely and safely navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, President Pezeshkian outlined Iran’s position, including its outlook for the future. Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication going forward.
During a press conference hosted by Prime Minister Haga on the evening of April 30, a reporter from Kyodo News asked: “Prime Minister, you just held a phone conversation with Iranian President Pezeshkian. Could you please share the content of the discussion? Also, a large crude oil tanker managed by a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan has already passed through the Strait of Hormuz—was this mentioned during your talk?”
Prime Minister Haga responded: “Just now, I held another phone conversation with Iranian President Pezeshkian. I conveyed my strong hope that negotiations between the United States and Iran will resume as soon as possible and ultimately reach an agreement.
Furthermore, I emphasized that the safe passage of a Japan-linked vessel carrying three Japanese crew members through the Strait of Hormuz represents a positive development from the perspective of safeguarding Japanese nationals.
Moreover, I once again strongly urged that all vessels—including those from Japan and Asian nations—be ensured free and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without delay.
President Pezeshkian then explained Iran’s views, including its vision for the future. Both sides agreed to continue maintaining close communication in the coming period.
Regarding the process by which a Japan-linked vessel first safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, I personally coordinated directly with President Pezeshkian, while also working under the leadership of Foreign Minister Motegi, together with our embassy in the region, to conduct various diplomatic efforts with Iranian authorities.
Currently, numerous Japan-linked vessels—including those carrying Japanese nationals—are still operating in the Persian Gulf. The Japanese government will continue to actively pursue all diplomatic initiatives and coordination efforts to ensure the prompt and safe passage of all such vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863990474277895/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.