Moscow hopes to improve ties with Tokyo - Russian FM

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday expressed his hope that the situation in the dialogue between Moscow and Tokyo would improve. "We have not seen each other for more than a year and a half. This is an inexcusable break for the foreign ministers of the countries which are close neighbours and important partners in the Asia-Pacific region," Lavrov said, opening talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. "Resuming direct contacts gives us hope that we will be able to finally start working together to improve the difficult situation in our dialogue which has come about under the influence of factors not directly relevant to the dialogue," he said. Russia’s top diplomat noted that there was substantial potential for practical cooperation in many fields. "Today, we would like to confirm once again our determination to develop the whole complex of bilateral ties and resolve existing problems alongside new problems, which have appeared recently and which are, for the most part, artificial," Lavrov said. "We expect that we will be able today to discuss in a frank and friendly way the situation in bilateral relations and exchange views on the most pressing issues of regional and international agenda," he added. The Japanese foreign minister thanked Lavrov for negotiations in Moscow, marking the first time the two diplomats met after nearly a year and seven months. "We have many issues on the agenda. Therefore, it is very important to continue bilateral dialogue, using today’s meeting," said Kishida, noting that he expected "constructive" talks. "We hope for a frank exchange of views on bilateral issues, particularly on the conclusion of a peace treaty," Kishida said. "We will also discuss international issues and Ukraine’s problems." Read more