Between 1968 and 1997 Russian and Japanese Governors held 14 meetings focused on developing economic and trade relations and strengthening friendship between the two nations.
After ten years of negotiations, the parties have agreed to resume the Governors' meetings. The 15th meeting of the Governor Assembly will be held in 2010 in Moscow.
During Prime Minister Putin's visit to Japan on May 12, 2009, Governors from Russia and Japan will hold an interim meeting to share opinions on the development of inter-regional relations between the two countries and will sign a memorandum on resuming the Assembly's activities.
Prime Minister Putin will greet the gathering with an opening address, which will be followed by speeches from the Chairman of the Japanese Governors' Association, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture Wataru Aso and Chairman of the XXI Century Russian Committee, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. Over 20 Governors from Russia and Japan will take part in the meeting.