Japanese diplomat hails democracy in Iran

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - He made the remarks in an address to Iran-Japan Cultural Exchanges meeting held in Tokyo with an aim of promoting cultural cooperation between the two countries and helping both nations get acquainted with each other. Iranian Ambassador to Tokyo Reza Nazar Ahari and over 150 professors and Persian-speaking university students and Iranologists were also present at the event. The Japanese diplomat emphasized the involvement of the Iranian people in political and social issues, citing their massive turnout for June 14 presidential elections. He hailed the resistance of Iranians against Western sanctions and pressures, saying they have turned the current situation into an opportunity to develop science and technology. Meanwhile, the Iranian ambassador stressed the importance of Silk Road in establishment of relations between the two nations in old times. Relations between Iran and Japan date back to 1,500 years ago, he said, citing Iranian cultural relics and works kept in Japanese museums. Nazar Ahari referred to cultural commonalities between Iran and Japan as a base for further promotion of bilateral ties in different fields./149