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Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Okinawa

July 23, 2000
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Yohei Kono and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov met in Okinawa on July 22. The summary of the meeting is as follows.

1. Kyushu-Okinawa Summit

Foreign Minister Ivanov stated that the Summit was proceeding successfully and that it was clear at this stage that it has been a success. He expressed appreciation to Japan for chairing the Summit. In response, Foreign Minister Kono thanked Russia for its cooperation since the G8 Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Miyazaki.

2. President Putin's Visit to North Korea

1. Foreign Minister Ivanov made the following comments:
   
   (1) In February he visited North Korea and signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation. Since then there has been a series of contacts at various levels, leading up to President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea. This is the first time in the history of Russia and North Korea that a Russian leader has visited North Korea.
   
   (2) The format was as follows. The visit began with a small meeting, followed by an expanded meeting and a banquet. The discussions lasted a considerable period of time, and there were frank exchanges of views on all issues. The agenda covered bilateral relations and international issues. With regard to bilateral relations, it was agreed that a new page should be opened between the two nations. On international issues, Russia welcomed the news that North KoreaOs Foreign Minister would participate in the forthcoming ASEAN Regional Forum.
   
   (3) There is a need to maintain dialogue with North Korea on all issues. There should be dialogue not only with Russia but also with the leader of South Korea and with other nations. There are signs that tension has started to ease, and full advantage must be taken of this. This cannot be done alone, and Russia hopes that all nations will cooperate in this direction.
2. Foreign Minister Kono responded by pointing out that there are a number of outstanding issues between Japan and North Korea, as Foreign Minister Ivanov noted, but Japan wishes it could move toward normalization. Japan hopes to achieve this in cooperation with the international community. It also recognizes the value of the summit-level talks between South and North Korea.

3. President Putin's State Visit to Japan

The Foreign Ministers confirmed their determination to make the President's visit to Japan in September significant for both Japan and Russia.