Preparation for meeting of Russia, Japan leaders discussed in Tokyo.

TOKYO, June 3 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin and his Japanese counterpart Kenichiro Sasae are discussingpreparations for a meeting of the two countries' leaders within the framework of the Group of Eight summit due in Hokkaido in July.

According to Borodavkin, "last April's visit Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda paid to Russia and his meetings with Russian leaders and agreements reached set a positive tune in bilateral cooperation. I hope that we will discuss progress in preparations for another high level contact within the framework of the G8 summit."Borodavkin said Russian leaders "studied very attentively" Mr.

Fukuda's recent speech devoted to his foreign policy doctrine and hisapproach to Pacific integration.

"We applaud Japan's interest in the development of ties andcooperation with Russia," the diplomat said. Moscow is also interested in stronger partnership with Japan.

Mr. Sasae said, "The aim of today's meeting is to fulfill tasks set at the April high level meetings and make preparation of the Japan-Russia summit during the G8 summit in Hokkaido." The diplomat said during the talks Mr. Fukuda held in Moscow the sides "backed the intensification of cooperation in all spheres, including issues related to concluding a peace treaty."