TEHRAN -- Iran has invited Japan to cooperate with it in the establishment of a nuclear fuel bank and in the fields of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and nuclear energy production.

In a meeting with visiting Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae here on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said the Islamic Republic is also interested in cooperating with Japan in infrastructure projects.
“We attach special importance to relations with Japan and consider the exchange of views and continuous dialogue with Japan to be useful and constructive,” Mottaki added.
He went on to say that the two countries have great potential for cooperation.
Iran and Japan can develop close cooperation in projects for the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, the foreign minister noted.
He also invited the Japanese foreign minister to visit Iran.
Sasae said Japan would like to expand its political dialogue with Iran in order to bolster its ties with the country.
He stated that the Islamic Republic plays a key role in regional developments. “We regard Iran as a regional superpower. We support Iran’s constructive role in the region,” the Japanese deputy foreign minister observed.
Sasae also extended an invitation to Mottaki to visit Japan.
-------- Iran, Japan determined to improve comprehensive ties
Sasae and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini attended the 17th meeting of the Iran-Japan Joint Political Committee here on Sunday.
The two sides discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Iran can offer a secure and appropriate environment for foreign investment, which has provided a powerful stimulus for international companies to launch joint ventures with the Islamic Republic, Hosseini said.
He also called for closer cooperation between the two nations’ private sectors.
Sasae said Japan attaches great importance to its relations with the Islamic Republic as a key regional player