TOKYO, November 1 (Itar-Tass) - The talks in Tokyo proved that Russia and Japan were ready to move forward towards implementing all agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
“Our cooperation develops rather intensively. We maintain a regular political dialogue. Trade and investments grow,” Lavrov said, adding, “We coordinate plans to promote energy cooperation.”
The new round of consultations on the peace treaty will take place at the level of deputies foreign minister, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said.
After the talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, Kishida said the next rounds of consultations could be held at the level of ministers.
The dates will be coordinated through diplomatic channels, he said.
Lavrov said the second round of consultations on the peace treaty would take place at the end of January or in the beginning of February 2014.
The Japanese minister praised the development of bilateral contacts. “The political dialogue between our countries gains momentum. Our relations develop in different fields, including in the economy, security and the humanitarian sphere,” Kishida said.
The talks between the Russian and Japanese foreign ministers where held within the 2+2 format. The talks will also involve the defence ministers of both countries, Sergei Shoigu and Itsunori Onodera, on Saturday, November 2.
This is the first ministerial meeting between Russia and Japan within the 2+2 format. An agreement to this effect was reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in April 2013.
Earlier, Tokyo held such dialogue with the United States and Australia.