Iran, Japan discuss expansion of environmental cooperation

Iran's Vice-President and Head of Department of Environment Masoumeh Ebtekar and Head of Japan's International Cooperation Agency Akihiko Tanaka stressed the need to use the two countries' full capacities to pave the ground for widening and deepening Tehran-Tokyo environment protection cooperation. In a meeting in the Japanese capital on Wednesday, the two sides called for collective cooperation among world countries in fighting air pollution. Ebtekar pointed to current state of Iran-Japan relations in the field of environment protection , and said, "Environmental problems go beyond borders." Ebtekar's visit to Tokyo takes place at the official invitation extended to her by Japanese minister of environment protection. During the visit the two sides exchanged views and discussed various issues pertaining to environment protection. They also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expansion of cooperation in the sector. Based on the MoU the two sides are to broaden cooperation in reducing air pollution, dealing with climate change consequences and protecting ponds. Diplomatic relations between Iran and Japan were formally established in 1926 and throughout history, the two countries have maintained a friendly and strongly cooperation in various arenas. The two countries' officials have held talks in different economic, trade, political and cultural fields in recent years to explore new ways of expanding bilateral ties.