Russia, Japan to shore up defense agreements - Shoigu
TOKYO. May 30 (Interfax) - The 2+2 dialogue between the foreign and defense ministers of Russia and Japan in Tokyo on Thursday can be called successful, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, adding that the discussion had been accompanied by a friendly atmosphere.
"Today's consultations in the traditional 2+2 format can be called productive. We discussed an array of issues dealing with key aspects of global and regional security, as well as the further development of Russian-Japanese cooperation," Shoigu told reporters following the consultations.
"The discussion was accompanied by an open and friendly atmosphere," he said.
"At the separate meeting with Mr. Iwaya [Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya], we discussed in detail the present state of bilateral defense cooperation and its development prospects. We reaffirmed our readiness to maintain these positive dynamics, shoring up agreements reached during meetings at the highest level," Shoigu said.
The sides additionally agreed to continue exchanging visits of the General Staff chiefs of Russia and Japan, he said.