Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tokyo on December 20, 2019. (Source: AP)

Abe expressed concern about rising tensions in the Middle East and pledged to do as much as possible to help restore regional stability. Rouhani hailed Japan’s diplomatic effort adding that he understands Japan's intention to contribute to ensuring the safety of navigation through its own initiative. The outcome of the meeting will be a foundation for Japan to ratify the deployment of SDF to Iran at a cabinet meeting next Friday.