Japanese politicians congratulate Russia on its national holiday

TOKYO, June 12 (Itar-Tass) -- Prominent Japanese politicians
congratulate Russians on their national holiday, Russia's Day, and call
for further improvement of bilateral relations between Japan and Russia.
The Japan Times English-language newspaper on Sunday published a
feature written by chairman of the Japan-Russia friendship society Kunio
Hatoyama, where he congratulated the Russian people with the anniversary
of the country's declaration of sovereignty. Russia continues its
development, he wrote, it has drawn technological innovations and is
reforming its socio-economic system, it is also taking an active part in
international politics, in such formats as Group of Eight and Group of
Twenty. Japan, in his words, is interested in strengthening friendly
relations with Moscow. The two countries have good prospects for
cooperation in many areas, including in the energy sector and in
environment protection, he noted.
In a feature published in the same issue, Japan's former Prime
Minister Yoshiro Mori expressed thanks to Russia for its assistance after
the March 11 disastrous earthquake and devastating tsunami. He also
expressed the hope that Tokyo and Moscow will be able to solve all the
problems in their bilateral relations and will continue cooperation on the
world arena.