News Analysis: Why Putin´s visit matters to Japan?

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2009 14:42

TOKYO, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putinkicked off a three-day visit to Japan on Monday, the first tour to Russia's important Asian neighbor since he took office as head of government in May 2008. The visit, which came less than three months after Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's trip to Russia's Sakhalin island, has come under Japan's public spotlight.

FRUITS ABOUND IN COOPERATIVE EFFORTS

Economically complementary, Japan and Russian enjoy great potential for economic cooperation. Promoting cooperation in various areas, including in the field of economy in particular, isthe primary purpose of Putin's visit to Japan, and the two sides gathered bumper harvests in their attempts to boost cooperation inrelevant areas.

During their talks on Tuesday, Aso and Putin agreed on a wide range of cooperative measures centered on economic matters, nuclear power generation and law enforcement and pledged concertedefforts to fight the ongoing global financial crisis.

Among the agreements signed Tuesday were one for cooperation onthe peaceful use of nuclear power, which will pave the way for joint research and reactor contracts and expand the import of atomic fuel from Russia, and another to simplify customs procedures between the two nations.

On law enforcement, a pact signed Tuesday would make it easier for law enforcement agencies in the two countries to cooperation without having to go through diplomatic channels. And legal authorities will directly contact each other for cooperation and information under the treaty, improving the efficiency and accuracy of investigations.

In addition to confirmation of expanding cooperative efforts over a wide range of areas, the two sides signed memorandums for cooperation on improving energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, as well as cooperation in combating the smuggling of marine products.

In talks with Putin, Aso said:"I have positioned Russia as an important neighbor in the Asia-Pacific region and have considered ways to support."

Tokyo is ready to work as a partner with Moscow on developing the Asia-Pacific region, Aso said, voicing the will to collaboratein such areas as energy conservation and information technology.

At a press conference after the meeting, the Japanese premier said he expects mutual benefits as the deals signed held a strategic relevance for bilateral relations.

Putin, for his part, admitted that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the leaders for global economic development.

He said that the Japan-Russian relationship is moving in a good direction.