MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent birthday greetings to Emperor Akihito of Japan on Wednesday.
- Russia ready to soften visa regime with Japan — ambassador
- Japanese FM in favor of developing dialogue at highest level between Tokyo and Moscow
- Japan's Defense Ministry collecting data on Russian construction activity on Kuril Islands
- Japanese PM intends to hold persistent talks with Russia on South Kuril Islands
"I would like to confirm our interest in developing friendly Russian-Japanese relations, mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various fields," says the presidential cable posted on the Kremlin website. "That meets fundamental interests of the peoples in our two countries and is in line with promoting peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region."
Putin also wished the emperor a Happy New Year wishing him health and happiness and well-being and prosperity to all Japanese people.
Emperor Akihito of Japan marks his 82nd birthday today. This day is obsered as a national holiday in the country since his accession to the throne in 1989.