Japan FM hopes for expanding coop, mutual trust with Russia.

TOKYO (Itar-Tass) - Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara is looking forward to visiting winter Moscow, where he hopes at
talks with Russian ministers "to expand the range of cooperation," and
promote an atmosphere of "mutual trust between the two peoples." He made this statement in an exclusive interview with Itar-Tass on the eve of his trip to Russia.

"First of all let me say that I'm looking forward to this visit to
Moscow," said the minister. "It will take place in mid-winter when the
weather is very cold. But my Russian friends told me that Moscow is
especially beautiful this time of year. Also, I gladly hear that there is a steady Japanese cuisine boom in the Russian capital. Last time I was in your country three years ago. Now I want with my own eyes to carefully look at the newest Moscow."
"I firmly believe," Maehara continued, "that in the new strategic
conditions, the development of cooperation between Japan and Russia as
partners in the Asia-Pacific region meets in the interests of both
countries. This visit aims at expanding the range of such cooperation, to build the trust between nations needed for it. I intend to hold a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, to deepen the discussion with a view to strengthening cooperation in all spheres. In addition, consultations on the development of economic cooperation are planned within the framework of a meeting of the Japanese-Russian intergovernmental commission on trade and economic issues. I'm its Co-Chairman, together with Russia's Trade and Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko.
The Japanese Foreign Minister leaves for Moscow by a special flight
Thursday evening and will arrive in the Russian capital on February 11-12.