President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,
I am very glad for this opportunity to have another meeting, this time in Latin America, in Lima.
At the start of our conversation, I would like to stress that we have revived some mechanisms that have allowed us to move forward in our bilateral relations. I am referring to Foreign Ministry consultations, and meetings of our foreign minister and defence ministers. Recently, there was a meeting of the heads of the national security councils. Active work is underway to implement your initiatives aimed at boosting trade and economic relations.
We have a good opportunity today to compare notes on all those areas.
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe (retranslated): Mr President,
First, let me express my appreciation for your hospitality in Vladivostok.
I am happy that, in keeping with our promise, we are having our fifteenth meeting here in Lima.
Vladimir, I welcome our active consultations covering broad areas and the proper preparatory work underway for your visit to Japan.
By the way, the people of my city of Nagato, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, are looking forward to your visit, and they are in high spirits. I am ready to welcome you in a traditional Japanese inn with a hot spring, and on the following day, we shall arrive in Tokyo to discuss economic issues.
As for the political dialogue between our nations, as you have rightly put it, my visit to Vladivostok was followed by visits by Ms Matviyenko, Minister Seko and National Security Council Chair Yachi, as well as Mr Shuvalov’s visit to Japan. Thus, our political dialogue is becoming ever more engaged.
In only a month, Vladimir, your visit to Nagato is to take place, so now I expect that we shall discuss your December visit as well as the issue of the Peace Treaty, and economic cooperation.
Vladmir Putin: Thank you, Shinzo.
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