Japanese PM for the development of cooperation with Russia

The Japanese head of government, Junichiro Koizumi, has expressed confidence that during his coming official visit to Russia at the beginning of January, a Plan of Actions, which provides for the development of cooperation between the two countries in different spheres, will be signed.

The Japanese Prime Minister made this statement on Tuesday at the meeting with the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Gennady Seleznyov, in Tokyo.

According to the press secretary of the State Duma Speaker, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed sympathy to the Russian people in connection with the hostage-taking in Moscow and the understanding with regard to the actions of secret services in that situation.

The meeting between Junichiro Koizumi with Gennady Seleznyov in the Tokyo official residence of the Prime Minister lasted for 35 minutes, much more than was provided for by the protocol.