TOKYO, July 02. /ITAR-TASS/. Relations with Russia meets Japan’s interests, a Japanese diplomat has said.

The Japanese government favours the strengthening of a dialogue with Russia, the diplomat said on Wednesday.

Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement at the meeting with Russian ambassadors, the Japanese diplomat said, “During the meeting, Putin said Russia would develop relations with Japan.”

“Our country attaches big significance to relations with Russia, intends to step up the dialogue and promote bilateral relations that meet Japan’s interests,” he said.

Meeting Russian ambassadors on Tuesday, July 1, Putin said Russia sought deeper co-operation with other traditional partners in that region, such as India, Vietnam, Japan and other countries, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

“We should use more fully the potential of emerging markets in Latin America and Africa, drawing on ample experience of political and humanitarian ties with those countries,” he added.