Lavrov to discuss in Tokyo high-level contacts, bilateral relations

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will discuss in Tokyo on April 15 with the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida preparations for high-level contacts, bilateral and regional problems, the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday. The visit’s objective is "to prepare contents of the upcoming high-level meetings, on which the countries have agreed earlier." The development of the mutually advantageous cooperation between Russia and Japan "not only answers long-term interests of the countries, but also favors security and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region." The parties will exchange views on the entire complex of the issues on bilateral agenda, and the key international problems. "The potential of bilateral cooperation is not used fully yet," the ministry said in a comment. "We hope the talks in Tokyo will give a mighty impetus to the joint work to bring the bilateral relations to a higher level, will favor improvement of their atmosphere, which was affected by Tokyo’s joining the anti-Russian sanctions some western countries had announced in connection with the situation in Ukraine." Economy: depending on situation Moscow regrets about the negative tendencies in the trade and economic relations: the trade turnover in 2015 declined by almost a third year-on-year. "Among reasons of this slump there are objective factors, related to unfavorable international situation," the foreign ministry said. "At the same time, we expect from the Japanese side clear signals to its businesses to implement bilateral projects, first of all in the energy, and to resume the joint work on updating the legal base." First of all, the updating refers to regulations of the investment regime and labor, of social insurance. Russia hopes for further development of the business investment cooperation, for joint projects in the energy, infrastructures, agriculture, medicine, city environment, and innovations. Global agenda Russia is intended to continue cooperation with Tokyo for providing global and regional security. The foreign ministers will exchange views on approaches to the international problems, including on Japan’s non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council in 2016-2017. They will pay special attention to "development of joint efforts in fighting new threats and challenges, including international terrorism and cyber-security, cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region, exchange of opinions on the situations in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula." Read more