The message said, in part:
“I greatly appreciate Japan’s understanding of the scale of the challenges we face, including fighting international terrorism in Chechnya, the willingness to continue developing Russian-Japanese relations on the basis of earlier agreements, and your readiness to consider Russia’s interests in the context of the G8 summit in Okinawa next July.
“I fully share your commitment to step up Russian-Japanese relations in all areas. I would like to confirm once again that Russia will continue its policy aiming to build a creative partnership between our two countries while respecting earlier fixed agreements.”
Mr Putin approved the course chosen by Russia and Japan, including the development of ties and cooperation in all areas combined with a further search for ways of solving existing problems.
The message was delivered by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, who was in Tokyo on an official visit.