Top Japanese, Iranian diplomats discuss bilateral ties, regional issues

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Top diplomats of Japan and Iran discussed bilateral relations and international issues in a phone call on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian “exchanged views on the bilateral relationship between Japan and Iran,” read a statement by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

This was their second phone conversation, following a Dec. 2 call in which they discussed issues including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan situation.

“Both the ministers also exchanged views on the situation surrounding Iran and the Middle East in light of realizing of peace and stability in the region and both sides decided to continue close communication,” the statement added.