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Lawmaker says views of Russia, Japan on main issues become closer

The Russian State Duma speaker marks mutual confidence building in the two countries' relations

© EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON

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Russian top lawmaker hands message from Putin to Japan PM — media

TOKYO, June 17. /TASS/. There is no alternative to the development of Russian-Japanese cooperation, speaker of the Russian State Duma lower house of parliament Sergei Naryshkin said on Friday at a meeting with members of Japan’s NGO Council of Friendly Exchanges, adding that the two countries’ positions on major political issues have become closer.

"I'm sure that both the Russian and Japanese sides have a complete understanding of the fact that there is no alternative to the development of cooperation", he said.

According to Naryshkin, the positions of Russia and Japan "on the main issues of bilateral relations and the international agenda" have recently become closer.

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"Comprehensive development of Russian-Japanese relations, the removal of artificial barriers is definitely aimed at mutual confidence building. This not only meets the aspirations and desires of our peoples, but is also an important factor in ensuring stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region," the Duma speaker said.

The delegation of parliamentarians led by Naryshkin is on a visit on Tokyo that will last until June 17.

The State Duma speaker planned to meet with the leadership of the Japanese parliament, members of the Japanese non-governmental organization Council of Friendly Exchanges and take part in the opening ceremony of the 11th Festival of Russian Culture in Japan.

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Foreign policy Japan

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