UPDATE 3: Putin: Russia, Japan must support business by mutual contacts

(Adds comments in paragraph 6)

VLADIVOSTOK, Sep 2 (PRIME) -- Russia and Japan must support the business community by developing mutual contacts, President Vladimir Putin told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday.

“And certainly, it is very important on the political level to support the business community, to develop mutual contacts,” Putin said.

Abe said that the development of the Asia-Pacific region is the locomotive of the global economy and that the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok is a good place to coordinate joint Russia–Japan efforts.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Putin and Abe discussed all aspects of bilateral relations during the meeting. “The negotiations concerned absolutely all areas of our relations, the political dialogue, economy in all dimensions, the inter-parliamentary connections, humanitarian connections, cooperation in foreign policy issues.”

Japan presented detailed ideas regarding cooperation with Russia in eight areas of the economy --- energy, healthcare, urban planning, high technologies and some other, Lavrov said. “Support of this mood was expressed from our side.”

Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia and Japan will develop an all-encompassing energy cooperation. According to Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev, Russia and Japan have discussed participation of Japanese banks, including Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), in Arctic projects. “We have received some preliminary answers to our investment proposals.”

Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that the projects arranged between Russia and Japan include organization of a joint venture in the car industry.

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