Deputy Minister A.V. Sharonov conducted a talk with Mr. Issay Nomura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Russia, in the Russian Ministry for Economic Development and Trade in May 4, 2005.

Taking into account the results of the 7^th meeting of the Russian-Japanese Inter-Governmental Commission, which was held in Tokyo on April 22, 2005, the parties exchanged opinions on operations of Japanese Center, a non-for-profit entity, in Russia. In particular, Mr. Nomura requested to assist in sooner resolution of problems with the status of stay of Japanese Center’s employees sent from Japan to Russia. The parties discussed possible mutually acceptable options of addressing the said problems, underlining the need in their settlement in compliance with Russian law.

Having positively assessed operations of Japanese Center in promoting Japan’s technical assistance to reforms held in the Russian Federation, in particular, in contribution to the program of personnel training for the Russian economy, A.V. Sharonov called on the Japanese side to further expand and improve the forms of interaction in this rather important area of cooperation between the two countries.

         Both sides spoke in favor of holding regular bilateral consultations on operations of Japanese Center in the future.

         Having pointed out to positive changes that started to take shape  recently in the field of bilateral investment cooperation, in particular,  Toyota’s announced intention to  place a car-assembling facility in Russia, Nomura has simultaneously expressed concern in connection with problems still experienced by some Japanese companies on the Russian market.

         Mr. Sharonov said the Russian side was aware of these problems and, at the same time, pointed out that they should be resolved by legitimate methods, under conditions of transparency and in full conformity with applicable law.

         Mr. V.B. Nabokov, counselor of the Asia and Australia Division, participated in the talks on behalf of the Department for Foreign Economic Relations.