Russia Ready to Strengthen Bilateral Ties With Japan: Lavrov

MOSCOW (Kyodo) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed readiness on Thursday to strengthen Japanese-Russian ties, saying that the deepening of political dialogue and economic ties between the two countries would contribute to security in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

In a written interview with Kyodo News ahead of his two-day visit toJapanfrom Saturday, Lavrov urgedJapanto accept the status quo regarding disputed islands offHokkaidoknown inJapanas theNorthern Territories, saying they “have legally become Russian territory as a result of World War II.”

It was the foreign minister’s first interview with a Japanese media outlet since last September, when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin indicated his intention to return to the presidency by announcing he would run in the election in March.

In the interview, Lavrov said he expects to exchange views in a tangible manner with his Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba on how to revitalize bilateral ties, which have deteriorated over the territorial dispute. They are scheduled to meet on the first day of Lavrov’s visit.

JapanandRussia”play an important role in the Asia-Pacific, which is starting to become the center of influence in economic growth and international relations,” he said, stressing the significance of the two countries’ deepening cooperation in dealing withNorth Korea’s nuclear programs and international terrorism.

Regarding the territorial dispute, over which bilateral ties suffered a new blow in November 2010 when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited one of the islands, becoming the first Russian head of state to do so, Lavrov said, “It’s important to prevent future-oriented development (of the bilateral relationship) from being obstructed by the differences in views.”

The foreign minister expressedMoscow’s readiness to work withTokyoin creating a congenial atmosphere suitable for resolving the dispute through such measures as the implementation of a Russian proposal for joint economic activities on the islands.

The two countries have been at odds over the sovereignty of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, which were seized by the Soviet Union followingJapan’s surrender in World War II in August 1945.

The territorial row over the islands, known inRussiaas theSouthern Kurils, has prevented the two countries from signing a postwar peace treaty.

On the summit in November of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to be held in Vladivostok, which faces Japan across the Sea of Japan, Lavrov emphasized his country’s focus on Asia in its foreign policy, calling the regional gathering “one of the biggest events for Russia this year.”

Regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, he reiterated the need to resolve the issue through the six-party talks involving North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States that have been stalled since late 2008.

Mainichi Japan

January 27, 2012

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2 комментариев к записи “Russia Ready to Strengthen Bilateral Ties With Japan: Lavrov”

  1. Adrianalucia says:

    The way they use the fan to increase the fritcion between the tyre and ground is really creative. But the committee thinks that the technique would limit the chance for new ideas in mechanical design and control algorithms to come up, because the technique dominates the competition in last two years. The rules in the robotrace provide hints at points in the route where curvature changes. Therefore, if any line following robot can take full advantages of these hints, (e.g. use encoders to keep the entire route in memory), it may find a better way to control the line following robot.

  2. Agustinus says:

    But, but, but, but, but Mr. Lavrov . . . this is the brightest, smastert, most compassionate, most understanding, most open, most honest administration we’ve ever had! The fact is, the Obama administration doesn’t understand much, the economy, jobs, business, foreign affairs, the military; name it, they don’t understand it nor are they willing to try.Richmedia: I’d also vote for the latter as the one we fear most, as the bear is losing its teeth, and thus, the bite isn’t as bad.

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