YOKOHAMA (Ruptly) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on Wednesday.

Both politicians confirmed their countries are willing to ease the tensions in the Middle East region, with Zarif emphasising Iran’s appreciation for Japan’s contribution in this diplomatic process. The two delegations also expressed their support for international law and mutual respect on the international arena.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) brings together leaders and representatives from more than 30 African nations to discuss the continent’s ongoing economic development. TICAD started on Wednesday and will run until August 30.