The government held a meeting of the “government-private sector liaison meeting on the promotion of Japan-Russia exchanges” (chaired by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami) at the Kantei (Prime Minister’s Official Residence) on Dec. 21. In light of the signing of more than 60 private sector agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Japan, participants in the meeting affirmed continuous cooperation between the government and the private sector to strengthen bilateral relations.

Komatsu Ltd. adviser Masahiro Sakane, private sector chair of the panel, told reporters after the meeting: “Undertaking concrete projects (based on the agreements) is the first step (in achieving good Japan-Russia relations).”