7 May 2020 13:57

Putin and Abe discuss cooperation in fighting Covid-19, including development of medicines

MOSCOW. May 7 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a phone conversation at Tokyo's initiative.

"The sides discussed the situation around the coronavirus pandemic. The president of Russia and the prime minister of Japan informed each other of the measures being taken to counter the spread of the infection. They also confirmed plans to broaden cooperation between relevant agencies in the field of healthcare, including the joint development of medicines," the Kremlin press service said.

Putin and Abe also discussed key issues concerning the two countries' interaction, including their trade and economic contacts.

They agreed to continue contacts at different levels as the epidemiological situation normalizes.

Abe also congratulated Putin on the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.