Japan, Iran join hands on Azadegan oil development

TEHRAN, Iran - Japan's Economy, Trade and Insutry Minister Takeo Hiranuma (L) shake hands with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in Tehran on July 8. They agreed to cooperate to conclude a contract on a Japanese-led consortium's plan to develop Iran's Azadegan oil field as soon as possible in a bid to realize commercial production in 2004.