Russian-Japanese forum in St Petersburg

The second Russian-Japanese forum "Prospectives of the Russian-Japanese cooperation in the Asian-Pacific region in the light of globalization" has opened in St. Petersburg. The forum will involve deputy foreign minister of Russia Alexander Losyukov, a special representative for the Japanese government Tatsuo Arima, Japanese temporary charge d'affaires in the Russian Federation Akio Kavato, President of the National Institute for Research Advancement Takafusa Shioya as well as representatives from Russian and Japanese ministries, cultural and social institutions. Russia's deputy foreign minister read aloud the foreign minister Igor Ivanov's message for those present at the forum, that says that "the relationship between Russian and Japan can be characterised as "the relationship of constructive partnership". The Minister believes that more intensive cooperation between Russia and Japan in all spheres of mutual interest is vitally important today. The message of the Japanese foreign minister, read by Tatsuo Arima says that cooperation between Russia and Japan has recently been developing in three major directions - preparation of a peace treaty, international and economic cooperation. The message stresses the importance of a peace treaty between Russia and Japan, which will be an effective step towards peace and stabilisation in the Asian-Pacific region. This treaty is "an indispensable factor of international and regional stability," reads the message. The Japanese foreign minister also said "cooperation of the two countries had not yet reached the necessary level" and expressed his hope for a deeper friendly relationship. The first Russian-Japanese forum was held last May in Moscow. Geopolitical and economic issues were on the agenda of the forum.