Japan to lift sanctions on Iran: FM

Tokyo, Jan 22: Japan has decided to lift its sanctions on Iran after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the country had implemented measures promised under the newly-reached deal on its nuclear programme, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said on Friday.

The minister said Japan would like to further develop its ties with Iran and a pact on investment negotiated between the two sides will be signed soon, Xinhua reported.

Fumio's remarks came after a cabinet meeting on Friday during which the Japanese government agreed to lift its sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sector.

The move by the Japanese government followed some European countries and the US that have lifted part of their economic sanctions against Iran and companies from the countries are making efforts to enter the market.

Iran and other six powers including Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US, reached an agreement over the Iranian nuclear issue as the deal would secure that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon under international monitor and, in exchange, the countries will relieve their sanctions on Iran.

IANS