Japan, Iran Vow Cooperation to End Nuclear Standoff

Tehran, Nov. 10 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif Sunday agreed that the two countries will cooperate to end an international standoff over Tehran's nuclear program. Japan hopes that Iran will show flexibility to help produce an agreement with six major powers, Kishida told Zarif in a meeting in Tehran. Japan is ready to cooperate to help resolve the issue, Kishida said. Zarif said Iran welcomes Japan's contributions. Kishida asked Iran to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Iran takes the request serious, Zarif said. The ministers issued a joint statement after the meeting pledging to ensure safe navigation in the Persian Gulf, a crucial route of transportation for crude oil shipments to Japan. Kishida and Zarif also agreed that Japan and Iran will strengthen bilateral relations through promotion of political dialogue and cooperation in Afghan assistance. END