Japanese, Iranian FM discuss Afghan security

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-03-2009 09:32

To Tehran now where Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone has held talks with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki.

Saturday's talks focused on the US-Iran relationship, Iran's involvement in helping to improve security in Afghanistan and ways to stem drug smuggling from Afghanistan to Iran.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone (L) and his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki gesture to each others after a joint news conference in Tehran, May 2, 2009. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl

Mottaki said Iran is studying US President Barack Obama's administration's new policies in Afghanistan to determine if there will be any thaw in their relationship.

The Japanese Foreign Minister encouraged Iran to take positive measures and seize the opportunity. Japan also expressed concern over Iran's eight-year prison sentence given to an American journalist of Japanese descent.

The journalist was arrested in Iran and convicted of spying for the US. Iran responded by saying there has been an appeal filed for the journalist. And that the appeal will be considered based on justice and mercy.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei