MNA � President of Japanese House of Councilors, Chuichi Date, said that the visit of the Iranian delegation to Tokyo marks the start of a new chapter of bilateral ties between the two countries.

He made the remarks Tuesday in a meeting with Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in Tokyo.

Expressing happiness for the Iranian delegation�s visit to the East Asian country after some nine years, Chuichi Date noted that Iran is a major country with a rich culture in West Asian.

The two sides discussed the latest status of bilateral ties in various fields and highlighted the need for increased trade between the two countries.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Larijani departed Tehran for Tokyo on Monday morning. The visit is being made upon the official invitation of his Japanese counterpart.

�This visit is being made to expand parliamentary ties between the two countries, as well as to exchange views on topics of mutual interest including the fight against terrorism,� he told reporters Monday as he arrived at Tokyo�s Haneda Airport.