TOKYO, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government welcomes a two-week ceasefire deal reached between the United States and Iran as a positive move, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Wednesday.
"We hope that a final (peace) deal will be made at an early date through diplomacy," Kihara said at a press conference.
"The most important thing is to actually de-escalate tensions, including securing a safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," Kihara said, referring to the critical waterway for global energy trade that has been effectively closed.
The Japanese government will work on diplomatic efforts in close collaboration with other members of the international community, he said.
Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, and will hold negotiations in Pakistan. ■