Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took part in talks with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Taro Aso (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, I remember very well your last visit to Japan in 2005.
Japan and Russia are currently combining efforts to establish a strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific Region.
As far as I understand, this course of action began when you, the then President of Russia, proposed a series of large strategic projects aimed at the development of Russia's Far East and East Siberia and the region's integration with the Asia-Pacific Region.
During my tenure as Japan's foreign minister, I found it natural to hold the viewpoint that Russia, a member of the G8, with its economy growing at a pace matching India, Brazil and China, would be the country to consolidate ties with the APR and play a constructive role in the region.
Accordingly, at my initiative, and that of the then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan put forth a proposal to consolidate Russian-Japanese cooperation in Russia's Far East and East Siberia.
Following my appointment as Prime Minister, I announced in my first policy speech in parliament that Russia was an important neighbour and a potential partner for future development in the Asia-Pacific Region. I support Russia's current vision and see that this vision is consistently being realised year after year.
I am very confident that the Asia-Pacific Region will grow all the more stronger during the global economic downturn, and will become an international economic and political centre. I am highly respectful of your foresight.
I would like today's meeting to include an open exchange of opinions on the kind of relations we need to develop on the basis of the existing foundations.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister.
I would like to thank you for your invitation and for the hearty welcome I have been accorded throughout my visit. This trip includes many important events, such as meetings between Russian and Japanese business leaders, rectors of both countries' universities, and city governors.
Despite the problems caused by the economic downturn, the Asia-Pacific Region is one of the world leaders in economic development. It is only natural that Russia seeks to establish closer contacts with our eastern neighbours. This outlook directly corresponds with our plans to develop the east coast of Russia's Far East.
The Russian city of Vladivostok will host the APEC summit in 2012, and we truly hope it will be our additional contribution to the region's development.
Relations between Russia and Japan are changing, and are moving in a positive direction. These changes not only involve the growing trade turnover, but also include greater mutual trust.
Many Japanese politicians have contributed to the change; they have made extensive efforts to develop this policy. You are certainly one of them. We are especially grateful to you and your colleagues for the effort you are putting in building bilateral relations.
Speaking on Russia's position, we are ready to develop bilateral contacts in every area. It is my conviction that any complicated matter is easier settled between friends.
The Russian-Japanese talks resulted in a series of important bilateral agreements.
