Russo-Japanese Talks Begin

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 17

Russo-Japanese Talks Begin

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) TOKYO, July 25. After talks lasting two and a half hours between Mr Gromyko and Mr Shiina, the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Japan, the two countries agreed to co-operate in Siberian development to promote Russo-Jap-anese economic relations.

There was no progress, however, in a crucial territorial issue of 10 years’ standing— Japan’s claim to four northern islands in the Kuril group, occupied by the Soviet Union at the end of the war in the Pacific. Japan acquired all four islands by treaty from Russia over 100 years ago. The Soviet Union has offered to return Habomai and Shikotan by treaty but is refusing to discuss the status of the other two, Etorofu and Kunashiri. Mr Gromyko suggested

talks between the two countries on co-operation in the economic, scientific and cultural fields. Mr Gromyko meets the Prime Minister, Mr Sato, on Wednesday. His week-long visit is not expected to produce any dramatic results, but is viewed by both sides as quietly strengthening the ties which have steadily grown since the two countries re-estab-lished relations 10 years ago.