Iran–Japan relations

Iran-Japan relations are diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan, which were formally established in 1926.cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iran/index.html|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan|date=July 2007|accessdate=2007-08-07|title=Japan-Iran relations] Throughout history, the two countries have maintained a relatively friendly and strongly strategic partnership.

History

In 1878, Japanese ambassador to Russia, Enomoto Takeaki, was received in a formal audience in Saint Petersburg by Persian King Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. However, formal diplomatic relations were not established until 1926. A Treaty of Amity was signed between Iran and Japan in 1939, and cordial relations were maintained until 1942. Under pressure from the Allies, Iran declared war on Japan in March 1945. Formal diplomatic relations were restored in 1953 after the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco. [Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan, pp.623]

Japan's foreign policy towards and investments in Iran have historically been dominated by the desire to secure reliable energy supplies; Iran is Japan's third-largest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. [cite news|url=http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1615&CFID=32052905&CFTOKEN=39775290&jsessionid=9a30d4c02e6c7831342b|publisher=Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania|title=Japan Strives to Balance Energy Needs with World Politics|date=2006-11-26|accessdate=2007-08-08] Iran and Japan signed a visa-free travel arrangement in 1974, but it was terminated in April 1992 due to large-scale illegal Iranian migration to Japan. [cite conference|title=Chapter III, Section 6: The Middle East|booktitle=Diplomatic Bluebook: Japan's Diplomatic Activities|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan|url=http://www.mofa.jp/policy/other/bluebook/1992/1992-3-6.htm|date=1992|accessdate=2007-08-07] Iran and Japan also cooperate on regional foreign policy issues in the Middle East, such as the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [cite news|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200205/05/eng20020505_95173.shtml|publisher=People's Daily|title=Iran, Japan Ready to Cooperate in Afghan, Palestinian Issues|date=2002-05-05|accessdate=2007-08-07] Since 2004, Japan has been working on developing Iran's largest on-shore oil field, located at Azadegan. [cite news|url=http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-18/0609159288125734.htm|title=Japan ready for talks with Iran on lucrative Azadegan oil venture|publisher=Islamic Republic News Agency|date=2006-09-15|accessdate=2007-08-07]

The balance of trade between Iran and Japan is heavily weighed in favor of Iran, with Japan exporting automobiles and electrical products and importing petroleum and petrochemical products.

Iranian president Seyyed Mohammad Khatami made a state visit to Japan in October 2000.

Iran is represented in Japan through its embassy in Tokyo, and Japan is represented through its embassy in Tehran.

See also

* Foreign relations of Iran
* Foreign relations of Japan

External links

* [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iran/index.html Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on relations with Iran]

References