Mr Putin and Mr Kono discussed current issues of bilateral relations, preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Russian-Japanese inter-governmental commission on trade and economic relations, and the realisation of the agreements reached during Mr Putin’s visit to Tokyo on September 3–5, 2000.
President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s interest in developing long-term friendly relations between the two countries.
Mr Kono handed the Russian President a message from Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.