(Prepared by the Japanese Government)
Outline of the Moscow Declaration on Building a Creative Partnership between Japan and the Russian Federation
Preamble
The two leaders:
- share the recognition that the roles and responsibilities of Japan and Russia in the international community are increasing and that both countries need to cooperate yet more closely.
- are convinced that the two countries, which are tied by the universal values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the respect for fundamental human rights, should build a creative partnership which is consistent with their strategic and geopolitical interests.
- appreciate the development in relations between Japan and the Russian Federation based on the Tokyo Declaration and are determined to further develop these relations in all areas.
- confirm their common recognition that, as a result of the rapid development in bilateral relations due to the constructive dialogue between the leaders of the two countries, the time to overcome the difficult legacies of the past mentioned in the Tokyo Declaration is about to arrive.
- point out the need to translate the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries into reality, and that will be made possible through continued economic reform in Russia and support for this from Japan.
- recognize that a substantive improvement in Japan-Russia relations will have a favorable influence on the international situation and the situation in the Asia- Pacific region.
- affirm the importance that both countries make more active their common efforts to strengthen international peace and security and to solve global issues, based on the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter.
I. Bilateral Relations
1. Japan and Russia will build a long-term creative partnership founded on the principles of trust, mutual benefit, a long-term perspective and close economic cooperation. The two leaders are determined that through this partnership they will solve various bilateral issues, contribute to peace and stability of the Asia- Pacific region and the international community through cooperation in international fora, and to develop bilateral relations so that they enter an era of "agreement" by the strengthening of "trust."
2. In view of the fact that a response was conveyed from the Russian side to the proposal made by Japan at the April 1998 Summit Meeting in Kawana, the two leaders instructed both governments to accelerate negotiations on a peace treaty based on the Tokyo Declaration as well as on the Agreements of Krasnoyarsk and Kawana. They reaffirmed their resolve to make their utmost efforts to conclude a peace treaty by the year 2000, and set up a sub-committee on border demarcation. They also set up a sub- committee on joint economic activities which will conduct its activities in parallel with the sub-committee on border demarcation and will study joint economic activities in Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai Islands ("the Four Islands") which do not prejudice the legal positions of both countries. They agreed in principle to organize so-called free visits to the Four Islands by Japanese nationals who are former residents or members of their families. They instructed that consideration be commenced on such visits.
3. Recognize the importance of cooperation related to the Four Islands which aims to foster an environment conducive to the early conclusion of a peace treaty, welcome the expansion of the framework of emergency humanitarian assistance, and commend the smooth implementation of the framework agreement concerning operations of Japanese fishing vessels in the waters around the Four Islands.
4. Resolve to strengthen political dialogue and intend to have formal contact annually at the leaders' level.
5. Positively assess exchanges in the areas of security and defense, and intend to continue as well as deepen such exchanges.
6. Will make more active exchanges between the law enforcement authorities of the two countries.
7. Share views on the importance of broad-ranging exchanges on the grassroots level, and support the activities of the Russian Committee of XXI Century and the Japan- Russia Friendship Forum 21.
8. Intend to further promote cultural exchanges.
9. Recognize the importance of youth exchanges
10. Will further strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade and economy, steadily implement and expand the Hashimoto-Yeltsin Plan, hold meetings of a Japan-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economy annually, and welcome the signing of the Agreement concerning Promotion and Protection of Investment and the continued efforts on the establishment of the Japan- Russia Investment Company.
11. Concur on the importance of economic development in Russia and of the integration of the Russian economy into the international community. Russia will continue its efforts on reform and Japan will support them.
12. Support exchanges and cooperation in science and technology areas.
II. Cooperation on International Issues
The two leaders stated their intentions concerning the following points:
(Global Issues)
1. Coordinated Japanese-Russian action within the framework of the G8.
2. Dialogue on United Nations reform. Russia's understanding and support for Japan's permanent membership on the UN Security Council.
3. Collaboration on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
4. Cooperation with the international community's efforts on PKOs, conflict prevention and counter-terrorism.
5. Coordination on efforts concerning the environment, not least on issues involving climate change.
(The Asia-Pacific Region)
6. Active participation in efforts to build confidence and ensure peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
7. Collaboration with ASEAN countries and constructive contribution to the activities of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
8. Assistance to relax tensions as well as develop dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula. Collaboration on Cambodia.
9. Look forward to progress in the Four-Party Talks on the Korean Peninsula. Share the view that establishing a forum including Japan and Russia on peace, stability and confidence-building in Northeast Asia will be significant.
10. Japan to assist Russia concerning the latter's participation in APEC. Both countries to cooperate in the area of energy affairs in the Asia-Pacific region.
11. Cooperation on efforts to address environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
(Regional Issues)
12. Cooperation to promote progress in the Middle East peace talks.
13. Cooperation with Central Asia and the Trans-Caucasus region.
(Consultations on International Issues)
14. Holding of regular consultations and information exchanges on international issues.
Back to Index
