In preliminary talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, the diplomats agreed to calmly discuss territorial issues. They also agreed to facilitate cooperation and further expand their bilateral trade and investment.
"We need to act constructively. We should not be emotional, and avoid provocative remarks," Lavrov said through an interpreter at a news conference.
The diplomats agreed to hold vice-ministerial talks in late January or February, ahead of Kishida's planned visit to Russia in the spring.
Lavrov did not mention an attack on Russian missiles in Latakia in Syria. Kishida said he and Lavrov planned to discuss Syria, Iran, Afghanistan and other international issues at today's working dinner, which was closed to the media.
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Separately, the defence ministers Russia's Sergei Shoigu and Japan's Itsunori Onodera agreed to expand joint military exercises and other exchanges, public broadcaster NHK reported. Japan is seeking to broaden its defence ties, in addition to its key security alliance with the United States, in response to China's growing military presence and threats from North Korea.
It's unclear how much progress is being made toward a resolution of a dispute over four islands that were seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War II.
Russia's Itar-Tass news agency downplayed the likelihood of any major breakthroughs, noting that the main issues in the dispute are being handled by deputy foreign ministers. The dispute has kept the two nations from signing a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities.