TOKYO, February 21. /ITAR-TASS/. Approaches of Russia and Japan on drug trafficking are common, and cooperation develops in different directions, deputy head of the Russian Federal Drug Control Service Nikolai Tsvetkov told Itar-Tass.

The Russian official has ended his official visit to Japan.

“Interaction with Japan does not result in any disagreements. Our approaches are practically common,” Tsvetkov said, adding that he had given Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida an invitation from Federal Drug Control Service head Viktor Ivanov “to form a delegation within the G8 events, which are planning to take place in Moscow”.

“It is important that this year Russia presides in the G8. Anti-drug cooperation and global joint efforts in this field is one of the priorities of Russia’s presidency. Several important international events are planning to take place shortly: an expert meeting within preparations for the G8 summit and a ministerial meeting due to be held in May. Russia hopes that Japanese partners will participate in these events,” the Federal Drug Control Service deputy head said.

During the visit to Japan, Tsvetkov visited a specialized medical centre in Yokohama. He said the centre had all necessary things — stable funding and professional specialists.

He praised Japan’s integrated system of non-governmental recovery centers. “We’re seeking to set up such centers. There are 30 recovery centers in Japan and funding is being provided from the government, i.e. from several ministries. In my view, this proves that non-governmental organizations carry out bigger state work and solve important problems,” the Russian official said.

Tsvetkov took part in an international conference to fight drug trafficking in Asia Pacific countries. Russia presented a report on a state recovery system for drug-addicted persons. “Russia’s participation in the conference is very important for us and for our partners. Russia’s authority and experience is recognized all round the world,” the official said.