Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the Approval of the New Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Stepashin

May 20, 1999

I heartily congratulate President Boris Yeltsin and the Russian people on the fact that Mr. Sergei Stepashin, acting Prime Minister, received the approval of the State Duma of the Russian Parliament to be appointed as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
Expecting that the new Prime Minister will launch his new cabinet smoothly, and will continue and promote the ongoing reform policies, the Government of Japan will, in collaboration with the international community, continue to support Russia's reform efforts.
The Government of Japan intends to build a creative partnership between Japan and Russia by developing cooperation in every field including politics, economy, security, culture and international cooperation towards the 21st century, based on the Moscow Declaration signed in November 1998 when Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi paid an official visit to Russia. At the same time, the Government of Japan will make efforts to promote negotiations for a peace treaty to carry out the Krasnoyarsk Agreement through high-level "constant dialogue".
When I visit Russia towards the end of this month, I intend to have a frank and fruitful exchange of views with those concerned on the Russian side on the negotiations for a peace treaty and bilateral relations in various fields, bearing in mind President Yeltsin's visit to Japan scheduled for this autumn.

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