Russia and Japan plan to set up a working group on energy cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin told journalists after negotiations with Japanese Ambassador to Russia Masaharu Kono.
Sechin said Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Kudryashov would represent Russia for oil and gas issues, and Deputy Energy Minister Andrei Shishkin would handle electricity in the group. Sechin described the principles of the countries' collaboration as "mutual interest, trust and long-term commitment."
He added that the government has made a proposal to Japan and is now waiting for the Japanese response. He discussed hydrocarbons, coal exports and electricity with Kono, he said.
Later Tuesday, it was announced that Chikahito Harada would replace Kono as ambassador.
(MT, Interfax, RIA-Novosti)
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