IRNA � President of Japan's International Friendship Exchange Council Ken Matsuzawa expressed readiness for developing relations and boosting cooperation between Tokyo and Tehran even under difficult conditions.

Matsuzawa made the remarks Wednesday in a meeting with Iran's new ambassador to Japan Morteza Rahmani Movahed.

Iran is not only a friend but a brother country for Japan, Matsuzawa said.

Movahed, for his part, described his mission in Japan as aiming to develop bilateral ties in various fields.

He also hoped that Japan's International Friendship Exchange Council will play an effective role in achieving the determined targets.

Movahed has officially began his tenure in Japan since June 24 after he submitted a copy of his credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan Takeo Akiba.