Tehran mayor urges Japan to invest in Tehran projects
Tehran Times Political Desk

TOKYO - In separate meetings with acting Japanese Foreign Minister Yabo Naka and Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf called on the Japanese government and private sector to invest in projects in Tehran.

Qalibaf told the Tokyo governor that the metropolis of Tehran is suffering from serious air pollution and heavy traffic and that Iran would like to learn from Tokyo’s experiences in reducing air pollution and easing traffic congestion.

Ishihara expressed interest in cooperating with Tehran in urban development.

Qalibaf also invited the Tokyo governor to attend the conference of Asian mayors which is being held in Tehran in November.

On Friday, Qalibaf also held separate meetings with members of Japan’s Chamber of Commerce and members on the Iran-Japan parliamentary friendship group.

During his meeting with the Japanese lawmakers, Qalibaf said big cities should expand their relations as part of their efforts to improve the lives of their citizens. The two sides also discussed ways to prevent air pollution, prepare for earthquakes, and develop public transportation networks.

At a press conference organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club, Qalibaf said Iran would like to share Japan’s experiences in ways to “prepare for an earthquake, prevent the increase of air pollution, and develop the public transportation network.”

He stated that the two sides reached some significant agreements on developing Tehran’s infrastructure. “We will seriously pursue the implementation of the deals.”

-----------Next president should focus on economic prosperity

The Tehran mayor said the next Iranian president should put economic progress and tackling inflation on the top of his agenda.

Qalibaf, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2005, is seen as a contender for next year’s presidential election.

“I believe the next administration, no matter who comes to power, should pay attention to economic issues so that we will have comprehensive development of our country,” the Tehran mayor told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club.

“Of course, achieving these objectives requires friendly foreign relations and active diplomacy,” he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the mayor said Iran wants peace and security in the Middle East.

He went on to say that developments in the Middle East have a great influence on the global economy and international security.

“We have repeatedly expressed interest in contributing to the development of the region. Progress in the Middle East will facilitate the development of other parts of the world.”

Asked about the prospects for relations between the Islamic Republic and the United States when the next U.S. administration comes to power, Qalibaf said he supports talks that are to the benefit of both countries, without any pressure or preconditions.

“Mr. Obama, who is a serious candidate to take the post of U.S. president, has said in his presidential campaign that after he takes office he will reform U.S.-Iran relations. I hope that this is not just a political pose and is not just being used as a campaign promise.”

“I think the international community, Iranian society, and the U.S. society would benefit” from such talks, the mayor added

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