Russia formulates proposals of Kuril Islands joint economic activity to Japan - Matviyenko
TOKYO. Nov 1 (Interfax) - Russia is ready for a format of joint economic activity with Japan in the Kuril Islands, and such suggestions have been forwarded to the Japanese side.
"We are ready for a format of joint economic activity in the Kuril Islands. We have formulated our suggestions to the Japanese side. I am certain that these proposals will be discussed further. It seems to me that both Russia and Japan should be interested in this," Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko told reporters in Tokyo.
"I hope that at some stage we will be able to agree on formats of joint economic activity in the Kuril Islands," she said.
These could include, for example, formats such as a priority development territory, a free economic zone and other formats within the framework of Russian legislation, she said.
However, this joint economic activity can proceed only under Russia's jurisdiction and within the framework of Russian legislation, Matviyenko said.
Russia is ready to cooperate with Japan on economic issues and in other projects, she said.
"On the whole, we are interested in broadening cooperation between Russia and Japan as part of major joint investment projects in the Far East, Siberia and Sakhalin. We are sensing the strong interest of Japanese business in interaction and cooperation with Russia. Such programs and projects have been outlined and are being discussed," Matviyenko said.