Iran’s president is in Tokyo to meet Japanese premier

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani Friday arrived in Tokyo to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to local media.

It is first time in last 19 years that any Iranian president visited Japan. Former President Mohammad Khatami last visited Japan in October 2000.

Japan’s Kyodo news reported that the two sides will be discussing tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear project, U.S. sanctions on Iran and Tokyo’s plans to send its forces to guard Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese premier is “expected to express concern” about Iranian moves since May to “undermine” the 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and other world powers, the report added.

The meeting comes in the wake of tensions triggered by spate of attacks that took place on oil facilities and tankers, including a vessel operated by a Japanese firm near the Strait of Hormuz in June.

Japan’s crude oil imports from the Middle East account for 90% of its total.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said: "There is no doubt that the safe passage of ships is important for Japan."

"We will spare no effort trying to explain our plan (to send the Self-Defense Forces) during the Japan-Iran summit," the top government spokesman said at a news conference before Rouhani's arrival.