Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reached out to Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations between Japan and Iran.

Iran PressAsia: The conversation took place on Monday, lasting approximately 20 minutes, during which Kishida emphasized Japan's commitment to developing its longstanding friendly ties with Iran.

In a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Kishida conveyed his intention to work collaboratively with Pezeshkian to enhance Japan-Iran relations. The two leaders also discussed the broader situation in the Middle East, with Kishida expressing hope that Iran would assume a more constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The dialogue included discussions on Iran's nuclear program, a topic of significant international concern.

The recent presidential election in Iran saw Pezeshkian elected as the ninth president, receiving 16,384,403 votes out of a total of 30,530,157 in the runoff held on July 5. Kishida's outreach signals Japan's interest in maintaining and potentially expanding its diplomatic and economic engagement with Iran, particularly in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Both leaders agreed to continue their communication, reflecting a mutual desire to foster dialogue and cooperation. Kishida's call comes at a time when Iran is navigating complex relationships with various countries, particularly in the context of its nuclear negotiations and regional tensions.

The discussions between Kishida and Pezeshkian highlight Japan's strategic interest in engaging with Iran, especially as the latter seeks to strengthen its international standing following the recent elections. As Japan continues to pursue a foreign policy that emphasizes diplomacy and economic partnerships, its relationship with Iran could play a crucial role in addressing regional challenges and promoting stability in the Middle East.

In summary, Kishida's phone call to Pezeshkian underscores Japan's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Iran, while also addressing broader regional issues. The upcoming interactions between the two nations will be closely watched as they navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and regional security.

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