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Japanese top diplomat praises security dialogue with Russia

The Japanese top diplomat is expected to take part in the 2+2 format talks between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono  AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono
© AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin

TOKYO, July 30. /TASS/. Dialogue between Russia and Japan on security has great importance for both its participants and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said in an interview with TASS.

On Monday, the top Japanese diplomat departed for Russia to take part in the 2+2 format talks between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers.

"As Russia is an important player in the Asian-Pacific Region and Japan and Russia are neighboring countries, our security dialogue and the intention to deepen mutual understanding are important for both us and regional stability in general," Kono said.

At the upcoming meeting between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers, Tokyo expects to discuss a number of international issues, including "the situation around North Korea, Iran and Syria," Kono noted.

"Through this direct exchange of views we want both to build trust between our countries and improve the entire level of Japanese-Russian relations. I would like to hold constructive negotiations through open discussions, which will make a great contribution to preserving peace and stability in the region," he said.

According to Kono, enhancing cooperation between Japan and Russia is important for "further building confidence between our countries in the security area."

The first "2+2" Russian-Japanese meeting was held in Tokyo in November 2013. However, negotiations were frozen because of the Ukrainian crisis and Tokyo’s decision to join anti-Russian sanctions. A decision on a new meeting was made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan in December 2016. It took place in Tokyo in March 2017.