Lavrov suggests reinstating 2+2 consultations between Russian, Japanese foreign, defense ministers
SOCHI. May 6 (Interfax) - Moscow favors the resumption of consultations in the 2+2 format between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"We recalled that the 2+2 format was once set up between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers, and we pointed out that this was a useful body, whose work could be resumed," Lavrov told journalists following Russian President Vladimir Putin's negotiations with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Sochi on Friday.
The Russian and Japanese Foreign Ministries will continue interaction, Lavrov said.
"Our work with Mr. Kishida and his staff was praised by the Russian and Japanese leaders today. We agreed also to continue contacts between the two countries' security councils," he said.
Asked by Japanese journalists when the next 2+2 meeting could take place, Lavrov said, "We simply recalled that such a format was set up earlier, and it seems useful to us, taking into account the threats to security that exist in the Asia-Pacific region and particularly in Northeast Asia."
"We expect that our Japanese partners have heard us," he said.