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Talks between Russian, Japanese top diplomats begin in Tokyo

The parties are expected to assess the implementation of agreements reached during bilateral summits as well as the schedule of further contacts, including those between the two countries’ leaders

TOKYO, March 20. /TASS/. Talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida have begun in Tokyo.

The parties are expected to assess the implementation of agreements reached during bilateral summits as well as the schedule of further contacts, including those between the two countries’ leaders.

The two ministers will particularly discuss the situation in the region. "We will discuss measures to build confidence between Russia and Japan in the defense and security sphere. We will also voice our concern over the deployment of the US missile defense systems to Japan," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The talks agenda also includes the peace treaty issue.

A two-plus-two meeting involving the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers will take place later on Monday.

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