Prime Minister talks with Iran President to explain the Self-Defense Forces dispatch to Middle East December 20th 4:07
Prime Minister Abe held a summit meeting with Iran's President Rouhani on the 20th, explaining that he is considering dispatching the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East region to strengthen the information gathering system for ensuring the safety of ships related to Japan. , To seek understanding.
Iran's President Rouhani will visit Japan on a 20-day schedule and will have a summit meeting with Prime Minister Abe in the afternoon.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Abe communicated Japan's position to continue persistent diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the Middle East, and that Iran is strengthening uranium enrichment activities. In light of the above, we will ask again to refrain from measures that damage the nuclear agreement.
Regarding the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East region, which is being considered by the government, it is extremely important for Japan, which imports more than 80% of crude oil from the Middle East, to ensure the safety of ship navigation. I want to work to fulfill the responsibility of ensuring safety as a coastal country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visit is the first time in 19 years since 2000 that Iran's visit to Japan has been requested by Prime Minister Abe's visit to Iran in June.
Iran aims to prevent international isolation
In Iran, since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement last year and resumed sanctions, exports of crude oil stagnate, soaring prices have directly hit civil life, and the IMF = International Monetary Fund The economy is stagnant, with a forecast of -9.5%.
Iran wants to reinforce the economic relationship with Japan through this visit as the domestic economy increases in severity.
Concerning Iran's nuclear development, there has been increasing accusations in the European countries that have so far shown that Iran has taken steps to strengthen uranium enrichment as a countermeasure against the United States.
As President Rouhani, there seems to be an aim to promote friendly relations with Japan both inside and outside the country and to prevent international isolation.