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Japan-Russian Federation Foreign Minister's Meeting
(Outline of Results)

February 2, 2002

On February 2nd today, Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Igor Sergeyevich Ivanov of the Russian Federation at Iikura House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The following is an outline of their meeting. (Attendants: From the Japanese side: Shigeo Uetake, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs; Minoru Tamba, Ambassador of Japan to the Russian Federation; Toshiyuki Takano, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; Yasuo Saito, Director-General, European Affairs Bureau; and others. From the Russian side: Alexander Panov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Japan; Alexander Losyukov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Alexsei Meshukov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and others.

1. Bilateral Relations

(1) Overall

  1. Regarding political dialogue, the two sides first affirmed the importance of carrying out frequent interaction and dialogue at all levels. Both sides also stated the importance of effective communication making the most of multilateral meetings and telephone conferences, and their desire to do the same at the foreign ministerial level. At this point, Foreign Minister Ivanov conveyed an invitation to Foreign Minister Kawaguchi to visit Russia in the near future, and in response Foreign Minister Kawaguchi expressed her desire to consider realizing the visit as soon as possible. It was then reaffirmed that a visit to Russia by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2002 is a top priority issue, and both sides shared the view that they would continue to cooperate in order to realize such a visit. In addition, visits to Japan by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mikhaylovich Kasyanov and Russian State Duma Chairman Gennady Seleznyov, and a visit to Russia by Director-General of the Defense Agency Gen Nakatani, were mentioned.

  2. Regarding the current state of Japan-Russia relations, it was first pointed out that both sides consider the relationship to be in a favorable state. In addition, it was affirmed that they would continue to promote cooperation in the following three areas: the conclusion of a peace treaty, economic areas, and on the international stage. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that diplomacy from the viewpoint of the people is important, and that it is important for the people of Japan to have a feeling of friendship with Russia. Both sides also cited their desire to expand exchange and interaction at all levels, including exchange at the people's level.

(2) Negotiations on the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty

As a result of various discussions, the significance and importance of the conclusion of a peace treaty was reaffirmed, and it was agreed that both sides would continue to vigorously engage in peace treaty negotiations. It was also reaffirmed that both sides would observe all agreements made to date, including those made at the Summit Meeting in Irkutsk and at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting in Shanghai. To this end, in order to substantively and concretely discuss all issues related to negotiations on the conclusion of a peace treaty, including the issue of the attribution of the Four Northern Islands, it was agreed to hold Vice-Ministerial Consultations in Moscow in mid-March.

(3) The Issue of Third-Country Fishing in Waters around the Four Northern Islands

The two sides affirmed that they had found the most appropriate resolution that would not compromise the basic position of either side. At this point, Foreign Minister Ivanov stated that Russia was already implementing measures that do not accept fishing operations by third countries in these waters, and requested the Japanese side to continue to cooperate on the issue of preservation of resources and to take effective countermeasures against illicit fishing and smuggling.

(4) Other Issues

  1. The Japanese side again expressed its support for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and in response the Russian side expressed its gratitude.

  2. The Japanese side expressed the desire to promote Japan-Russia cooperation on environmental issues, and asked for the early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Russian side.

  3. Regarding untied loans of 1.5 billion yen, the Japanese side explained that unimplemented portion of the US$150 million had been dispersed in January, and in response the Russian side expressed its gratitude.

  4. The Japanese side explained that it has been giving assistance for displaced persons in the northern Caucasus region through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and is considering providing the same level of assistance in 2002.

2. The International Situation

(1) International Terrorism, Afghanistan

  1. It was agreed that Japan-Russia cooperation is necessary in the fight against international terrorism and a Joint Statement was signed. In addition, regarding Afghanistan, the Japanese side explained about the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, which was held in Tokyo in January 2002, while pointing out the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed of terrorism. Moreover, both sides shared the same view regarding the importance of Japan-Russia cooperation, in carrying out assistance for Afghanistan and countries surrounding Afghanistan.

  2. In addition, the Russian side made the following statements: One country cannot single-handedly carry out counter-terrorism measures, and international cooperation and coordination are indispensable. Russia is prepared to cooperate on this issue with Japan in both multilateral and bilateral fora. While Russia is exchanging information with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies of Japan, and would like to see this expanded. In addition, Russia has a deep relationship with Afghanistan, so there is potential for cooperation with Japan. Russia would like to hold experts' consultations and carry on discussions.

(2) U.S.-Russia Relations, Situation on the Korean Peninsula

  1. Regarding U.S.-Russia relations, Foreign Minister Ivanov explained current U.S.-Russia negotiations, especially preparations for the U.S.-Russia Summit Meeting and the handling of documents concerning strategic stability issues.

  2. Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Foreign Minister Ivanov explained mainly about the visit to Russia by General Secretary of the Workers Party of North Korea Kim Jong Il in 2001. On this issue both side concurred on the importance of engaging and not isolating North Korea. It was agreed that to this end, it is important to engage North Korea in various forms, including the US-North Korea negotiations, the Japan-North Korea Negotiations and the North Korea-Russia negotiations.

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