Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura and visiting Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko agreed Wednesday on protocols for visa-free visits to a chain of Russian-held islands off Hokkaido by former Japanese residents and their families.
The first round of visa-free visits will be conducted in mid-September, a Foreign Ministry official said.
During talks Wednesday at the ministry, Komura told Khristenko that such visits are extremely significant for maintaining sound relations and that the agreement will add momentum to strengthening ties, the official said.