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Russian, Japanese specialists discuss project to build bridge between Sakhalin, Hokkaido

Russia's part of the project is estimated at $5.5-6 billion

TOKYO, January 30. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian and Japanese specialists are planning to hold a special meeting to discuss the details of a project to build an energy bridge between Sakhalin and Hokkaido.

Sakhalin Region Governor Alexander Khoroshavin and Hokkaido Governor Harumi Takahashi reached an agreement to this effect in Sapporo on Thursday.

“This project is of special interest for us because it strengthens relations with Sakhalin Region partners,” Takahashi said.

“Japan’s government shows interest in it because our energy bridge is a global project, which is aimed at creating the Asian energy circle,” the Hokkaido governor said.

Earlier, Khoroshavin said Russia’s part of the project is estimated at $5.5-6 billion. “The project is of particular interest for the Sakhalin Region government. I’d like to assure the Japanese partners that we’d do everything possible to make the project successful,” Khoroshavin said.

However, the governor said it was impossible to specify the concrete date for several reasons - technological and legislative.

At the upcoming session experts of both countries will discuss problem points and try to find ways to resolve them.

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