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The meeting took place at the Comprehensive Higher Athletic Skills School where Vladimir Putin and Junichiro Koizumi watched St Petersburg’s judo team coached by Japanese coach Yasuhiro Yamashita workout.

The school prepares athletes to join Russia’s national teams in 10 sports including judo, Sambo wrestling, Graeco-Roman wrestling, marksmanship, boxing and fencing. The school is headed by Merited Judo Trainer of Russia Vasily Shestakov, who Mr Putin had practiced judo with for many years.

Later Mr Putin and Mr Koizumi had an informal talk. During their exchange of opinions on relevant aspects of bilateral relations, the two men spoke in favour of joint efforts to implement major infrastructure and energy projects in Eastern Siberia and in the Far East, and improve trade and economic cooperation and cultural ties.

The two sides stressed the importance of continuing the work by experts on the peace treaty between the two countries.

The Prime Minister invited the President to visit Japan at his convenience. The date of the visit is to be determined through diplomatic channels taking into account Mr Putin’s tight schedule.