Russia and Japan Must Avoid Unacceptable Conditions in Talks over Peace Treaty

In talks over a peace treaty, Russia and Japan should avoid any extreme conditions which are likely to prove completely unacceptable to the other side. This conclusion was reached yesterday in Tokyo during talks between Deputy Foreign Ministers Alexander Losyukov and Toshiyuki Takano. The press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the talks on questions of Russo-Japanese relations confirmed the mutual intention to develop bilateral links in the international arena and to widen economic, cultural and other practical cooperation.

In addition, both sides expressed their readiness to work towards a deepening of political dialogue at the highest level. Specifically, it was agreed that Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi would make an official visit to Russia in October of this year. According to representatives of the two countries' foreign ministries, this event will be an important stage in preparations for Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's official visit to Moscow at the end of this year or the beginning of 2003.

A raft of practical issues relating to bilateral relations was discussed during the talks. These included questions concerning the strengthening of ties and contacts in the southern Kuril Islands, the widening of joint measures to combat trafficking of sea food and the development of joint economic activity in the southern Kurils.

In discussions of current international problems the necessity of establishing cooperation between Tokyo and Moscow in the fight against international terrorism was underlined. So too was the need to bring into force provisions outlined in the joint declaration on this subject signed in February in Tokyo by the two Foreign Ministers. The next talks will be held in Moscow at a time convenient for both parties.