Medvedev meets Japanese PM

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan agreed on Saturday to strengthen bilateral cooperation, following a recent clash over a long-standing territorial dispute, RIA Novosti quotes Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Medvedev and Kan met for talks in the Japanese city of Yokohama, where both leaders are to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

"Both leaders have reaffirmed their determination to develop Russian-Japanese cooperation in the economic, humanitarian and political spheres," Sergei Lavrov told journalists after the meeting.

"The president has stressed the need for more active action on the international stage, including in the Asia-Pacific region, where Russia and Japan can contribute to solving the [region's] problems,"
he added.

Earlier this month, Medvedev aggravated a long-standing dispute over four of the Kuril Islands by becoming the first Russian or Soviet leader to visit one. Both countries have laid claims to the islands
since they were occupied by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.

During Saturday's talks, Medvedev reaffirmed Russia's position on the islands, Lavrov said.

"Just as Kan expressed disappointment over...[Medvedev's] visit to Kunashir Island, our assessment of the situation is that the president decides himself which region of Russia he visits," Lavrov said. "This is and will remain our territory."

Medvedev invited Kan to visit any Russian region, including the Far East.

"The invitation was accepted and we will now work on a specific timeframe for the visit," Lavrov said.