Lavrov told a news conference after yesterday's talks that upgrading defense ties between the two countries could serve their national interests in resolving terrorism and North Korea's nuclear threats, as well as other regional disputes. He welcomed the talks as a landmark development for Russia and Japan, and said that this new cooperation would not interfere with the Japan-US alliance.
Kishida also said that Japan's alliance with Washington remains "the cornerstone" of Tokyo's foreign and security policy.
Earlier Friday, Japan and Russia agreed to continue discussing a territorial dispute that has kept the nations from signing a peace treaty.
"We need to act constructively. We should not be emotional, and avoid provocative remarks," Lavrov said in Friday's news conference.
The diplomats also agreed to hold vice-ministerial talks in late January or February, ahead of Kishida's planned visit to Russia in the spring.
Lavrov did not mention an attack on Russian missiles in Latakia in Syria. Kishida said he and Lavrov planned to discuss Syria, Iran, Afghanistan and other international issues at Friday's working dinner, which was closed to the media.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=76506.0