TEHRAN -- Visiting Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kavamora said Japan is not the 51st state of the U.S. Talking to Persian daily Abrar, Kavamora said the U.S. is one of the important partners of Japan, but this does not mean that Japanese policy-makers adopt the country's policies under the influence of the U.S. Asked to comment on impact of U.S. on Tehran-Tokyo relations, the Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said, "We have close relations with the U.S., but it is we who selected our policies." Iran is also one of the important partners of Japan, but the two countries have independent policies and do not make decision for each other, Kavamora said.

He added that as Japan and the U.S. share common interests in the Middle East, it is but natural to adopt common stands toward peace and stability in the region. The Japanese spokesman described Iran as one of its very important partners and said strict tax laws and regulations, transfer of cash and customs restrictions are factors hampering investment in Iran by Japanese investors.

"We look forward to new developments for greater activity of private sector in Iran," Kavamora said. He underscored the importance of insurance in investment and expressed hope that trade and investment in Iran flourish as a result of mutual cooperation so that Japan's direct investment is Iran becomes workable. The Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said his country is highly dependent on the Middle East energy and added "in our talks with the Arabs and Israel we have always stressed the nuclear-free region."