Joint Statement on the Official Visit to Japan by Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mikhaylovich Kasjyanov
(Outline)
- Overviewed the steady implementation of the Japan-Russia Action Plan.
- Pointed out the significance of the leaders' agreement on establishing the Japan-Russia Eminent Persons' Council.
- Confirmed the importance of actively continuing negotiations on the conclusion of a peace treaty, based on the various agreements already achieved between two countries, developing their bilateral relations in all areas.
- Decided to continue to actively work for the realization of measures which would promote further strengthening of trade and economic relations between Japan and Russia. Decided to establish Japan-Russia Trade and Investment Promotion Organization at an early time after April 2004.
- Energy
(1) Confirmed the common understanding on the importance of progress in cooperation concerning development and transportation of energy resources in East Siberia and the Far Eastern regions, and in particular the construction of an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast of the Russian Federation. Positively evaluated the progress of the consultations between experts so far on mutually-beneficial cooperation on constructing this oil pipeline, and expressed their intention to vigorously continue these discussions.
(2) Welcomed the smooth implementation of the Sakhalin oil gas project (Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2) and the vitalization of trade relations between Japan and Russia in relation to this project.
- Called on Russia for its early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
- Decided to continue efforts for the further development in exchanges in the area of science and technology.
- Cooperation in nuclear Power (Close cooperation for the steady realization of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Plan).
- Cooperation for Denuclearization (Deepen their cooperation in the implementation of projects related to the dismantling of decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines of the Russian Pacific Fleet).
- Cooperation in transport (Aviation, Trans-Siberian Railway).
- Fishery (Promote the strengthening of Japan-Russia relations through the smooth implementation of a framework agreement concerning operations of Japanese fishing vessels in the waters around the four northern islands. Highly evaluated the role of cooperation between the relevant authorities of Japan and Russia in the crackdown on illegal fishing and export of marine products by Russian ships, and expressed their intention to further promote working-level contacts).
- Intra-regional cooperation (Decided to continue efforts to expand trade, economic and human exchange between Siberia and the Far Eastern regions of Russia and the prefectures in Japan).
- Pointed out that the assistance to the residents of the four Northern Islands is beneficial.
- Reconfirmed the importance of Russia's early accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Supported taking vigorous action in order to reach agreement on bilateral negotiations as soon as possible.
- Technical support for Russia (Strengthen cooperation in order to increase the efficiency of the activities of the Japan Centers).
- Cultural and human exchanges ("Japan Culture Festival in Russia 2003" is contributing to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries).
- Youth exchanges (Decided to support further and encourage the activities of the Japan-Russia Youth Exchange Committee).
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