New Japanese ambassador meets Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN,Dec.31(MNA) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that no obstacle can hinder Iran’s progress, and undoubtedly, the Iranian nation will safely pass through the current situation. Ahmadinejad made the remarks on Saturday during a meeting with Japan’s new ambassador to Tehran, Koji Haneda. Ahmadinejad described the relationship between Iran and Japan as “historical” and “friendly”, and said that the cooperation between the two countries has served world peace and security. He also noted that Iran welcomes the expansion of ties with Japan and the two nations can promote their cultural relations and tourism through corporate planning. The Japanese ambassador submitted his credentials to the president and stated that Tokyo makes every effort to expand relations with Iran in all areas, particularly in the economic area. Commenting on the issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, Ambassador Haneda said, “Japan believes that the current issues must be settled through diplomacy and we deem that the Iranian nation will weather all obstacles.” He also thanked the Iranian nation and government for sending humanitarian aid to the Japanese people affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and the devastating tsunami that hit the country on March 11, 2011.