Russian State Duma delegation to visit Japan

A Russian State Duma delegation headed by its speaker Gennady Seleznev departs today to Japan. The delegation includes representatives of all factions and deputy groups.

In the conversation with the journalists, speaker of Russian State Duma mentioned that the visit is aimed at strengthening the ties between Russian deputies and Japanese politicians and public circles. According to Seleznev, the major goal is "to develop the atmosphere of mutual trust that already exists between Russia and Japan." The speaker expressed confidence that the relations between two countries "have good perspectives".

The agenda of the visit includes the talks between Russian parliamentarians and their Japanese counterparts, meetings with Japanese government officials, representatives from business and public circles. It also includes a meeting with Japanese Premier Junichiro Koizumi. In addition, Gennady Seleznev is supposed to be granted an audience with the Japanese emperor.