The defense ministers of Iran and Japan have stressed the importance of making efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and continue communications between the two countries’ defense authorities.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami held a video teleconference with his Japanese counterpart Kishi Nobuo on Tuesday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported.

The Iranian defense chief congratulated Kishi on his appointment as defense minister.

He called for Iran’s cooperation toward securing the safety of navigation for vessels, including those related to Japan, in the Middle Eastern waters.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the ongoing developments in the Middle East and concurred in continuing communication between the two countries’ defense officials.

In October 2019, Hatami held a phone conversation with his former Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono. The two sides emphasized the need for peace and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Hatami highlighted the collective nature of security in the Persian Gulf region, adding that no country in the region can enjoy security while its neighbors are in turmoil and suffer from insecurity.