Japanese PM to meet with Iranian supreme leader, president

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his visit to the country from June 12 to 14 for the first meeting between the two, the Mainichi Daily reported, citing an unnamed government source.

The visit aims to help encourage dialogue with the US and ease tensions, according to the Mainichi. This visit will be the first by an incumbent Japanese prime minister since 1978.

During the trip, Abe plans to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on June 12 and Khamenei on June 13.