Tehran: Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaee has met and held talks with Japanese Ambassador to Iran Tamaki Tsukada on the eve of his trip to Japan to participate in the 22nd session of the Science and Technology in Society forum (STS). In a meeting at the Ministry of Science, Simaee described the gathering as the beginning of more serious cooperation in the future.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Simaee expressed hope that both countries would benefit from mutual cooperation for the advancement of science and technology. He emphasized that, as per UNESCO recommendations, sanctions do not apply to the field of science and technology, noting that science and research cannot be sanctioned.

Simaee highlighted the positive perception of Japan among Iranians and mentioned the cultural affinity between the two nations. He noted the familiarity of Iranians with many Japanese writers, Islamic thinkers, and Quran scholars, including the well-regarded figure Izutsu, who passed away in the 1990s and holds a special place among Iranians.

The Japanese ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, remarked that despite various limitations, the field of science and technology serves as a suitable platform for maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations between Iran and Japan.