Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, President Vladimir Putin noted that, despite a number of unresolved questions, including the issue of concluding a peace treaty, relations between Russia and Japan are developing. Moscow and Tokyo are able to discuss even contentious issues as partners and friends, Mr Putin said.
The President proposed to Mr Koizumi that the two countries mark a “positive celebration” of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan 150 years ago.