Japan and Russia ease visa requirements

The Russian and Japanese foreign ministers have agreed to introduce more relaxed visa requirements between their countries. According to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the measure will boost cultural and humanitarian relations. He also says the sides are preparing to sign more deals, including agreements on cultural cooperation and fighting poaching. Sergey Lavrov is on an official visit to Japan, where he held a meeting with his counterpart Koichiro Gemba. The ministers also agreed to strengthen economic and security cooperation. The Japanese minister announced that his country is ready to consider joint economic development on the Southern Kuril Islands.