The Council of Wise Men is to be an advisory non-governmental body working out expert recommendations on the development of many-sided cooperation between the two countries.
The idea of creating such a body was backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during their talk in Bangkok at the APEC economic summit.
The current co-chairmen of the Council are the former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov.
During the meeting with Vladimir Putin today the Moscow Mayor presented his proposals regarding the composition of the Russian part of the Council, its rules and schedule.
The Russian President approved the candidatures of scientists, cultural and business figures proposed by the Moscow Mayor, but said further consultations on the issue must be held with the Japanese colleagues.