Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting
on the occasion of the General Assembly of the United Nations
(Outline)

September 16, 2002

On September 15 in New York, the Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Sergeyevich Ivanov. The Foreign Ministers had discussions on the future plans of the political dialogue, negotiations on a peace treaty, and situations concerning North Korea as well as Iraq. The following is an outline of the meeting.

1. Future Plans of the Political Dialogue

(1) The Foreign Ministers agreed that the visit of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Russia would take place in January next year. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that she wished to have a concrete and in-depth exchange of views on the occasion of her visit to Russia in order to accelerate the work to draw up a Japan-Russia Action Plan for the purpose of success of Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to Russia.

(2) The Ministers also agreed to hold on 14th October, during Foreign Minister Kawaguchi's visit to Russia, a Japan-Russia Intergovernmental Committee On the Trade and Economic Issues between the Minister Kawaguchi and Russian Vice Prime Minister Victor Khristenko. Foreign Minister Ivanov stated that he looked forward to Ms. Kawaguchi's visit to Russia and wished to have an exchange of views on various bilateral and international issues.

(3) The Ministers also had discussions on the following issues:

1. Concerning the Kyoto Protocol, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi conveyed her wish for Russia's early conclusion of the Protocol and inquired the expected time of conclusion. Foreign Minister Ivanov responded that the political decision had already been made and domestic procedures were underway. The Minister added that he would like to make clear the specific time of conclusion as early as at Ms. Kawaguchi's visit to Russia.
2. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi mentioned the discharge from a hospital of the wife of Border Administration Agency Yuzhno-Sakhalink representative Rear Admiral Gamov. Foreign Minister Ivanov, in response, expressed appreciation to the people concerned on the Japanese side.

2. Negotiations on a Peace Treaty

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that she renewed her resolve to normalize the bilateral relations between the two countries by concluding a Japan-Russia peace treaty in cooperation with Foreign Minister Ivanov, touching upon her remarks on Japan's policy toward Russia at the town meeting held late August and her subsequent visit to Nemuro where she had the chance to observe the Northern Territories and talk with former residents of the islands. In addition, she pointed out that Japan and Russia have great possibility to develop the bilateral relations.

(2) Foreign Minister Ivanov, in response, stated that there is much room for development of the bilateral relations between the two countries and that the strengthened Japan-Russia relations will be of great significance not only to the two countries but also to the stability of East Asia.

(3) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi added that she talked with former residents of the islands in detail and expressed her desire to discuss the issue of a peace treaty in great depth on her visit to Russia. Foreign Minister Ivanov replied that it is important to have proper discussions between Ministers on this issue and added that the potential for further development of bilateral relations are expanding in various areas.

3. Situation Concerning North Korea

(1) Foreign Minister Ivanov wished success of the visit to North Korea by Prime Minister Koizumi noting that it is an extremely meaningful event and that he hoped this visit would lead to the improvement of Japan-North Korea relations.

(2) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi responded that she appreciated the strong support from President Putin to the decision made by Prime Minister Koizumi and emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges of views on North Korea between Japan and Russia.

(3) Foreign Minister Ivanov mentioned, after stating that it is important to establish a political dialogue with Chairman Kim Jong-Il of the DPRK National Defense Commission, that he got the impression that Chairman Kim Jong-Il was well informed about policies and intelligence despite the apparent misconception about Chairman Kim. He added that it was important to support Chairman Kim, because he recognized the necessity for North Korea to become a modernized country but there was no consensus amongst the members of the North Korean government regarding the move toward market economy. The Foreign Minister also pointed out the importance of the progress of Japan-North Korea dialogue and U.S.-North Korea dialogue in addition to the North-South dialogue.

4. Situation Concerning Iraq

(1) Foreign Minister Kawaguchi requested Russia's continued diplomatic efforts as a member of the P5, stating that Iraqi situation is a pressing international problem. Ms. Kawaguchi added that she had met with Iraqi Foreign Minister the previous day and requested the acceptance of the UN inspection team and implementation of all relevant UN resolutions.

(2) Foreign Minister Ivanov responded that Russia was discussing this issue with relevant countries and considers it important that Iraq accept the weapon inspectors. In addition, the Minister said that such an appeal was essential to avoid international disorder including a military clash.