To maintain momentum in recent improvements in Tokyo-Moscow ties, Japan's new prime minister is invited to take the place of the resigning Ryutaro Hashimoto on a planned visit to Russia this fall, Russian Prime Minister Sergei Kiriyenko said Tuesday.
Speaking at the Japan National Press Club, Kiriyenko reaffirmed that bilateral relations will remain intact despite changes in the political scene. "Dynamic expansion of bilateral relations will continue," Kiriyenko said.
Kiriyenko, who arrived Monday in Tokyo for a two-day visit, said he did not discuss the proposed bilateral peace treaty with Japan's political leaders during his stay, but added that a breakthrough can be achieved if the two countries take a step-by-step approach based on the 1993 Tokyo Declaration.