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Mr Putin said that the work of this representative forum is very positive and important.

The President said he hoped that the proposals for developing bilateral relations put forward by the Council of Wise Men would enable the two countries to considerably strengthen their trust in each other and make progress in overcoming the problems that are holding back ties between Russia and Japan.

The two countries are working together on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and combating terrorism, organised crime and drugs trafficking. They also have immense opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Mr Putin said he regretted that the two countries have still not concluded a peace treaty and said that it will be possible to resolve this problem only by finding a solution that conforms to the principles of international law and takes into account the national interests of both countries.

Russia and Japan have made a considerable effort over recent years to build up trust, as can be seen above all in the relations between the two countries’ peoples. Mr Putin called on the members of the council to continue this work and said in particular that it is important to protect the interests of businesspeople from both countries, develop contacts between public organisations and the media in Russia and Japan and increase the number of youth, sports and scientific exchanges.