Russian President Congratulates Junichiro Koizumi With Appointment As Japanese Prime Minister

The Russian President's press service informed RIA Novosti that Vladimir Putin congratulated Junichiro Koizumi with his appointment as Japanese Prime Minister. The report, in particular, says that " the Russian-Japanese relations are logically developing in the direction of creative partnership, which meets the bilateral strategic interests". The document stresses that on the basis of agreements reached during summits, "the bilateral ties are successfully developing in such key directions as international affairs cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, negotiations on signing a peace agreement". The Russian President also expressed the hope for constructive mutual work "aimed at activation of progressive development of the bilateral relations in all spheres, and at preserving the good traditions in the Russian-Japanese ties".