The Russian President congratulated Mr Koizumi on his appointment as Japanese prime minister and wished him success at his crucial position. In his turn, the Prime Minister congratulated Mr Putin on the 1st anniversary of his inauguration as president of Russia and highly estimated Putin’s work over this period.
During their first telephone conversation, the two leaders expressed joint intention to translate into life all the agreements that had been reached between Russia and Japan and work for further development of bilateral relations.
Mr Putin and Mr Koizumi agreed to continue regular contacts.