Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Seyyed Kamal Kharrazi, visiting foreign minister of Iran, said Thursday that Tokyo and Tehran will maintain close contact while supporting the international fight against terrorism.
Koizumi told Kharrazi that Japan is ready to assist the formation of a post-Taliban regime in Afghanistan once the current wave of U.S.-led attacks is over. He also said that Tokyo is eager to exchange views on various issues with Iran during the military operations and beyond, according to a Foreign Ministry official.
Meanwhile, Koizumi urged Kharrazi to work toward the normalization of Iran's diplomatic ties with the U.S., saying a good U.S.-Iran relationship would be beneficial not only to Iran but to the entire world.
Kharrazi responded negatively, however, telling Koizumi, "This may be the time that your friend (U.S.) should change its policies toward us," the official said.
During the 35-minute talks at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, the Iranian minister contended, nevertheless, that the positions of Iran and the United States are "alike" in terms of their determination to combat terrorism.
Kharrazi promised Koizumi that Iran will maintain its cooperation with international antiterror efforts, regardless of pressure from other Muslim countries.
He added, however, that the current U.S.-led attacks may be damaging the international coalition against terrorism, citing the possibility that terrorists may turn the military activity to their advantage.
Although Kharrazi fell short of insisting upon the immediate cessation of attacks upon Afghanistan, he said that the international antiterror operation should proceed "under the guidance of the United Nations."
Kharrazi is in Tokyo on a two-day visit and is scheduled to leave today.