According to Khabar Online's political correspondent, at that session held on Monday, Larijani told former Japanese Prime Minister: "The Islamic Republic of Iran looks positively upon the forthcoming talks with 5+1 group [including the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany], on the condition that the other party takes positive measures and is not simply after political Smiles."
Mr. Hatoyama served as Prime Minister of Japan between September 2009 to June 2010. He is the first ever Prime Minister from the modern Democratic Party of Japan and currently is the supreme diplomatic adviser of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan’s.
On 2 June 2010, Hatoyama announced his resignation before a meeting of the Japanese Democratic Party. He cited breaking a campaign promise to close an American military base on the island of Okinawa as the main reason for the move.
Stressing on the importance of developing and boosting bilateral ties between Iran and Japan in political, economic, and cultural domains, Larijani said: "More cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan as two key Asian countries can improve the economic power of the two countries and Asia region."
Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Iranianlegislator suggested that the ongoing problems in the Middle East region can be resolved through cooperation and positive interaction between the countries in the region: "The Islamic Republic of Iran constantly supports the establishment of democracy in the Middle East."
Later at the meeting, Mr. Hatoyama referred to the history of relations between Iran and Japan and stated: "The ties between the two countries have always been friendly and positive. The Japanese nation and government are interested in developing economic, political and cultural relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Earlier former Japanese Prime Minister had met with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who told Hatoyama the Islamic Republic of Iran is fundamentally opposed to the atomic bomb and weapons of mass destruction.
The Japanese politician in his turn said Tehran was not being treated properly by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): "International trust-building and respecting regulations are important issues for the world community," he said
"They should be seriously pursued given the double standards by the IAEA towards some nations, including Iran, which is not fair," former Japanese Prime Minister said, according to a statement issued by Ahmadinejad's office.
Hatoyama's presence in Iran was previously an issue of contention in Japan, after Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba reportedly requested he not make the trip.
His reported comments in Iran had come under fire from Tokyo, which said he was at odds with the official position. Returning to Japan, Hatoyama denied making the remarks, "I have made no comments that deviate from the stance of the Japanese government," AFP reported.
Talks between Iran and the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany are due to start Saturday in Istanbul.
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